Humility is not one of the most popular topics to discuss or term to be associated with. In our world that is sinful, fast paced, productive, etc. being humble typically doesn’t fall into a category besides weakness. However, the Bible has a completely different take on humility and proves that it’s actually one of the strongest traits we can possess.
Jesus is our model for humility and demonstrates perfectly what it means to be humble.
When we humble ourselves before others, we are considering them more important than ourselves, which is why this runs counter to our culture. Our culture tells us above all else…look out for yourselves, make sure you take care of yourself, and that you deserve more.
Now I’m not saying it’s not important to take care of yourself because it is, but not where you are the main point in life. We are not the main point…Jesus is. The single fact that Jesus suffered on our behalf, died on the cross, and rose again from the grave…showed great humility.
If Jesus did that for us, and we claim to be followers of His, then how can we not go out and serve others with humility, treating them more significant than ourselves, and proclaim the Gospel to them? Be stirred up today from the Bible to faithfully humble yourself and serve The Lord.
Here is what the Bible has to say with scripture on humility:
What Humility Looks Like
Before we look at the rewards of humility, it’s worth seeing what biblical humility actually looks like. It’s not a feeling — it’s a posture toward God and toward other people.
Philippians 2:3 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Paul ties humility directly to how we treat people. It shows up in whose interests we prioritize, not just in what we feel.
Philippians 2:5-8 – Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
The ultimate picture of humility is Jesus Himself. The God of the universe took on flesh and went to the cross. Every standard of humility we hold ourselves to is downstream of this.
Colossians 3:12 – Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Humility is something we are commanded to actively put on — like clothing. It doesn’t show up by accident.
Ephesians 4:2 – With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.
Paul connects humility directly to unity in the church. You cannot bear with difficult people without it.
Titus 3:1-2 – Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
Humility extends even to how we treat people we disagree with, including those in authority over us.
God’s Promise to the Humble
Scripture is full of promises about what God does for those who humble themselves before Him. This is one of the most consistent themes in the entire Bible.
James 4:6 – But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
This single verse is so important the New Testament repeats it twice — here and in 1 Peter 5:5. Pride puts you in opposition to God. Humility puts you in position to receive His grace.
James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
The path to being lifted up by God runs through self-lowering. This is the exact opposite of every promotion strategy the world will teach you.
1 Peter 5:5-6 – Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.
Peter adds two important phrases: “the mighty hand of God” and “at the proper time.” Humility requires trusting that God’s timing is right, even when we want exaltation now.
Matthew 23:11-12 – The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Jesus states this as a law of the kingdom — as reliable as gravity.
Matthew 18:4 – Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
The model for kingdom greatness isn’t a powerful adult — it’s a child. Children depend. They don’t pretend.
2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
God’s response to a humble people is restoration. This verse has been a banner over countless revivals in church history.
Psalm 149:4 – For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.
Of all the things God could adorn the humble with, He chose salvation. There’s no greater honor He could give.
Psalm 147:6 – The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.
The contrast couldn’t be sharper. Same God, two opposite responses, based on the posture of the heart.
The Danger of Pride
The flip side of humility is pride, and Scripture is unsparing about where pride leads.
Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
One of the most famous proverbs in the Bible — and one of the most observably true in everyday life.
Proverbs 11:2 – When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
Pride and wisdom are mutually exclusive. The arrogant cannot learn, because they assume they have nothing left to learn.
Proverbs 15:33 – The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Honor doesn’t come to the proud — it comes after humility. The order matters.
Walking Humbly With God
These verses describe humility not as an occasional act but as a way of life — the steady posture of a heart that knows who God is.
Micah 6:8 – He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
This is perhaps the most compact summary of the whole Christian life in the Old Testament. Humility isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a walk.
Isaiah 66:2 – But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
Of all the people on earth, God specifically looks toward the humble. Not the powerful. Not the talented. The humble.
Psalm 25:9 – He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
Want to be led by God? Want to be taught by Him? Humility is the prerequisite. He does not lead the proud.
Proverbs 22:4 – The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Humility paired with the fear of the Lord produces a life worth living.
Philippians 2:8 – And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Our model is Jesus. Anything we do to humble ourselves is a small reflection of what He already did for us.
John 3:30 – He must increase, but I must decrease.
John the Baptist’s whole life can be summed up in these eight words. So can ours.
What does the Bible have to say about other topics?
Feel free to add any additional Scripture to this topic by commenting below.
Thanks, Mike, for this good word. This will speak to other members of our Christian Poets & Writers group on Facebook, too, as we seek the right attitude in speaking to our readers, so I’ll highlight your post on the Christian Poets & Writers blog – http://www.christianpoetsandwriters.com. God bless.
Thanks so much for sharing Mary!!