Humility is a virtue that is highly regarded in the Bible. It is an attitude of the heart that allows us to recognize our dependence on God and treat others with respect and kindness. In a world that often promotes self-centeredness and pride, embracing humility can bring about profound transformation. Let’s explore some Bible verses that highlight the beauty and significance of humbleness in our lives.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Death Of A Loved One
Bible Verses About Humbleness
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
The apostle Paul teaches the importance of humility in how we treat others. We should avoid acting out of selfish motives and instead have the attitude of putting others first.
James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
James reminds us that God opposes the proud, but he shows favor to the humble. Those who are willing to submit to God and recognize their need for his grace will find themselves blessed in his sight.
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus warns against pride and emphasizes the rewards of humility. Those who seek to keep themselves humble will find that they are lifted up by God in due time.
Proverbs 18:12
“Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
The book of Proverbs teaches that humility is a prerequisite for honor. Those who are prideful are often met with destruction, but those who are humble and submitted to God find themselves lifted up in due time.
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?”
Micah teaches that God desires us to walk humbly with him as we seek justice and love kindness. We cannot seek these things with a prideful heart, but we must instead approach them with humility and a willingness to submit to God’s leading.
Colossians 3:12
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
Paul encourages believers to put on humility as a characteristic of their Christian walk. By doing so, they can demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ in their relationships with others.
1 Peter 5:5-6
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. 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 teaches that God gives grace to the humble and opposes the proud. He encourages believers to clothe themselves with humility, recognizing their need to submit to God and to one another.
Isaiah 57:15
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
Isaiah reminds us that God dwells with those who are lowly in spirit and contrite in heart. By humbling ourselves before him, we can experience his reviving presence and the comfort of his love.
Ephesians 4:1-3
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Paul encourages believers to walk in humility and gentleness, bearing with one another in love to maintain the unity of the Spirit. This can only be done if we are willing to put aside our pride and approach others with a submissive and humble heart.
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 promises to respond to the humility of his people, forgiving their sins and healing their land as they seek his face and turn from their wicked ways. By coming before him with a humble heart, we open ourselves up to his love and grace.
Psalm 25:9
“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”
David acknowledges that God leads and teaches those who are humble in his ways. By coming before him with a teachable heart, we can receive the guidance and wisdom we need to live a life that is pleasing to him.
Zechariah 9:9
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The prophet Zechariah prophesies the coming of the King, who will be humble and riding on a donkey. This passage foreshadows the coming of Jesus, who would humble himself by taking on human form and dying on the cross for our sins.
Luke 14:11
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
In this passage, Jesus teaches the importance of humility, warning that those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Only those who are willing to humble themselves before God and others will truly be exalted in his sight.
Psalm 149:4
“For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.”
The psalmist acknowledges that God takes pleasure in his people and adorns the humble with salvation. Humility is a necessary characteristic for those who desire to walk in fellowship with God and receive the blessings of his grace.
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Jesus blesses those who are meek and humble, promising that they will inherit the earth. This is a reminder that our ultimate inheritance is not found in material possessions or worldly acclaim, but in the promise of eternal life in Christ.
Psalm 34:2
“My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.”
The psalmist encourages humility by boasting in the Lord and inviting others to hear and be glad. By recognizing our need for God’s grace and leaning on him for help, we can find joy in his presence and the blessings of his love.
Matthew 18:4
“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus teaches that humility is a necessary characteristic for those who desire to be great in the kingdom of heaven. By approaching him like a child, with an open and trusting heart, we can experience the fullness of his love and grace.
Psalm 138:6
“For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.”
The psalmist acknowledges that God regards the lowly and humble, but he knows the haughty from afar. By staying humble before God, we can experience his love and draw closer to him in fellowship.
Colossians 2:18-19
“Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.”
Paul warns against those who would encourage false humility, insisting on asceticism and visions to boost their own standing. True humility is found in submitting to Christ as the head of the body, allowing him to nourish and grow us in his grace.
What does the Bible say about Humbleness?
Humbleness, also known as humility, is a virtue highly valued in the Bible across both the Old and New Testaments. It is the quality of being modest, respectful, and unpretentious, recognizing one’s limitations and weaknesses without arrogance or pride. The Bible teaches that humbleness is essential in our relationship with God and others.
Old Testament Perspective:
In the Old Testament, numerous passages highlight the significance of humbleness. Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” This verse emphasizes that humility leads to gaining wisdom and understanding, while pride can lead to shame.
Another pivotal verse is Micah 6:8, which outlines what the Lord requires of His people: “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Here, humility is presented as an integral aspect of a faithful and righteous life.
New Testament Perspective:
The New Testament builds upon the Old Testament’s teachings on humbleness and portrays Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of humility. In Philippians 2:3-8, believers are encouraged to emulate Jesus’ humble nature, who “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.”
Jesus Himself taught about humbleness, as seen in Matthew 23:12, where He says, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” This shows that God values those who choose humility over pride.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector:
One of the most significant illustrations of humbleness is the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector found in Luke 18:9-14. In this parable, Jesus contrasts the prideful attitude of the Pharisee, who boasted about his righteousness, with the tax collector, who humbly acknowledged his sinfulness before God. Jesus concludes that the tax collector, who humbled himself, went home justified rather than the Pharisee.
Summary
In summary, the Bible consistently promotes humbleness as a virtue that pleases God and leads to wisdom, righteousness, and exaltation. It emphasizes the importance of putting aside pride, recognizing our need for God’s grace, and treating others with kindness and respect. By embracing humbleness, believers can deepen their relationship with God and reflect the character of Jesus Christ to the world.