* What is the biblical definition of humility?

What is the biblical definition of humility, considering both the Old and New Testaments? I’m interested in understanding not just a dictionary-style definition, but also how humility is demonstrated in the lives of biblical figures, both positively and negatively (e.g., examples of true humility versus examples of pride that were contrasted with humility). Furthermore, how does biblical humility differ from a secular understanding of humility, which might be seen as weakness or lack of self-confidence? What are the practical applications of biblical humility in daily life, especially regarding our relationships with God and with other people? And finally, what scriptures best illustrate the core tenets of biblical humility?

Answer

Biblical humility is not self-deprecation or thinking less of oneself. Instead, it’s about recognizing one’s dependence on God, acknowledging His sovereignty, and valuing others above oneself. It’s a disposition of the heart characterized by a realistic assessment of one’s own strengths and weaknesses in light of God’s greatness, leading to submission to His will and a selfless attitude towards others.

Here are some key aspects and examples from scripture that further define biblical humility:

• Recognition of God’s Sovereignty and Authority: Humility begins with acknowledging God’s supreme power, wisdom, and authority. It is understanding that all blessings, talents, and abilities come from Him. Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." Recognizing this truth leads to reverence and a willingness to submit to His will.

• Accurate Self-Assessment: Humility involves honestly evaluating one’s own abilities and limitations without pride or arrogance, but also without false modesty that denies God-given gifts. Romans 12:3 states, "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." It’s not about thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.

• Dependence on God: A humble person recognizes their constant need for God’s grace, guidance, and provision. They understand that they cannot accomplish anything of lasting value without His help. Jesus said in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

• Submissiveness: Humility leads to submission to God’s will, even when it is difficult or doesn’t align with personal desires. It means trusting that God knows what is best and surrendering to His plan. Jesus exemplified this in the Garden of Gethsemane when he prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42).

• Valuing Others Above Oneself: Humility manifests in how we treat others. It involves putting their needs before our own and considering them more important than ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

• Gentleness and Meekness: Humility is often accompanied by gentleness and meekness, which are outward expressions of an inward spirit of submission and self-control. Matthew 11:29 quotes Jesus saying, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

• Servant-Heartedness: True humility is demonstrated through acts of service and a willingness to help others without expecting recognition or reward. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17) as an example of humble service, stating, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."

• Teachability: A humble person is open to learning and correction, recognizing that they don’t have all the answers. They are willing to listen to others, consider different perspectives, and admit when they are wrong. Proverbs 12:1 states, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid."

• Lack of Arrogance and Pride: Humility is the opposite of pride and arrogance. It involves recognizing one’s limitations and avoiding boastfulness or self-promotion. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

• Forgiveness: Humility enables forgiveness, as it recognizes that everyone makes mistakes and is in need of grace. It allows one to extend compassion and understanding to others, even when they have been wronged.

Examples of Humility in the Bible:

• Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of humility is Jesus, who, despite being God, humbled himself by taking on human form and becoming obedient to death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8).
• Moses: Described as the most humble man on earth (Numbers 12:3).
• David: Even as king, David showed humility in acknowledging his sin and seeking God’s forgiveness (Psalm 51).
• John the Baptist: He recognized his role as preparing the way for Jesus and declared, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

In contrast, examples of the lack of humility are:

• Pharaoh: He refused to acknowledge God’s power and stubbornly resisted His commands (Exodus).
• Nebuchadnezzar: He boasted about his own accomplishments until God humbled him (Daniel 4).
• Herod: He accepted praise as if he were a god and was struck down by an angel (Acts 12).

In summary, biblical humility is a multifaceted virtue that encompasses recognizing God’s authority, accurately assessing oneself, depending on God, submitting to His will, valuing others, and demonstrating gentleness and servant-heartedness. It’s not about belittling oneself, but about rightly relating to God and others.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before you today, seeking a deeper understanding of humility, the virtue you so cherish. Lord, help us to grasp the biblical definition of humility, not as weakness or self-deprecation, but as a true and honest assessment of ourselves in light of your magnificent glory.

Teach us to see ourselves as we truly are – creatures utterly dependent on your grace, redeemed by your love, and called to serve your purpose. Help us to lay aside pride, that insidious enemy that blinds us to our limitations and distances us from you and from others.

Grant us the grace to recognize our dependence on you for all things, acknowledging that every good gift and perfect present comes from above. May we approach each day with a teachable spirit, open to correction and willing to learn from those around us.

Help us to emulate the humility of Christ, who, though being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant. May we humbly serve others, putting their needs before our own, with a heart of compassion and understanding.

Lord, we pray that you would strip away any vestiges of arrogance or self-importance that cling to us. Fill us instead with a spirit of gentleness, patience, and kindness, reflecting the humility that pleases you.

Guide us to walk in humility, not seeking our own glory but always pointing others to you, the source of all goodness and truth. Thank you for the promise that you give grace to the humble, and that you will lift them up in due time.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.