Humility is a key virtue in the Bible, often described as having a proper understanding of oneself in relation to God. In a world that values self-promotion and pride, it can be challenging to cultivate true humility.
Thankfully, the Bible is filled with verses that teach us about this important trait. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful Bible verses about humility and what they can teach us about living a humble life.
Bible Verses About Humility
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
This verse teaches us that humility leads to wisdom, while pride brings disgrace. Humility is recognizing that we are not the center of the universe and that others’ needs and perspectives are important too. It involves being modest, acknowledging our limitations, and valuing others above ourselves.
Humility opens our hearts and minds to learn from others, seek guidance from God, and grow in wisdom. It allows us to approach situations with an attitude of teachability and receptiveness to correction.
James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
This verse reminds us that God opposes the proud but extends His grace and favor to the humble. When we are filled with pride, thinking highly of ourselves and disregarding God and others, we become distant from God’s blessings.
However, when we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our need for His guidance and grace, He pours out His favor upon us. Humility allows us to experience the abundant blessings and mercy of God in our lives.
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This verse teaches us an important principle: those who exalt themselves, seeking recognition and praise, will ultimately be humbled, while those who humble themselves before God will be exalted.
Humility is not about seeking recognition or striving to be noticed; it is about recognizing our worth and value in God’s eyes and honoring Him above all. When we lower ourselves and surrender our pride, God lifts us up and exalts us in His perfect timing.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
This verse reminds us that as God’s chosen and beloved children, we are called to clothe ourselves with various virtues, including humility. Just as we put on physical clothing, we should intentionally put on these qualities in our attitudes and actions.
Humility is a garment that reflects our identity as followers of Christ. It enables us to treat others with compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience, reflecting the character of Christ to the world.
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
This verse instructs us to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another. Regardless of our age or position, humility should characterize our relationships. Humility enables us to submit to the wisdom and guidance of our elders and to treat one another with respect and honor.
When we humble ourselves before God and others, we position ourselves to receive His favor and blessings. Humility creates an environment of unity, harmony, and mutual submission within the body of Christ.
Romans 12:3
“For by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
This verse cautions against thinking too highly of ourselves and encourages us to have a sober judgment about our abilities and worth. We are urged to recognize that any gifts or talents we possess are a result of God’s grace and that we should not boast or become arrogant.
By embracing humility, we acknowledge our dependence on God and invite Him to work through us. Humility allows us to use our gifts and talents for the benefit of others, honoring God and building up the body of Christ.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”
This verse challenges us to examine our motives and actions. Instead of pursuing selfish ambition or seeking our own glory, we are called to value others above ourselves, considering their needs and interests.
Humility redirects our focus from self-centeredness to selflessness. It enables us to love and serve others in practical ways, just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry.
Proverbs 15:33
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”
This verse emphasizes that humility is a prerequisite for honor. When we approach God in humility, recognizing His authority and majesty, we position ourselves to receive His wisdom and guidance.
Humility precedes honor because it aligns our hearts with God’s will and allows Him to exalt us in His perfect timing. It is through humility that we become vessels through which God’s glory shines.
Psalm 25:9
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”
This verse assures us that God guides the humble in righteousness and imparts His wisdom and guidance to them. When we humble ourselves before God, surrendering our own will and seeking His direction, He leads us in the paths of righteousness.
Humility opens our hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit and enables us to discern God’s will for our lives. It is through humility that we can experience the abundant life God has designed for us.
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
This verse sums up what God desires from His people: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. Humility is an integral component of our relationship with God.
Walking humbly with God means acknowledging our need for Him and surrendering our lives to His guidance and lordship. It involves an attitude of reverence, trust, and obedience as we live in accordance with His Word and seek to bring His justice and mercy to the world.
Zephaniah 2:3
“Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.”
This verse calls the humble of the land to seek the Lord, to pursue righteousness and humility. It implies that humility is necessary for receiving God’s grace and protection during times of judgment.
Humility enables us to have a right posture before God, acknowledging our need for His salvation and seeking Him wholeheartedly. It positions us to find shelter and refuge in Him as we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life.
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
In this verse, Jesus reiterates the principle that those who exalt themselves will eventually be humbled, whereas those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Humility is counter-cultural; it goes against the mindset of self-promotion and seeking personal gain. By humbling ourselves and recognizing our need for God’s grace, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and experience His exaltation.
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses About Love and Trust (With Commentary)
Isaiah 66:2
“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”
This verse reveals the type of people that God looks upon with favor: the humble and contrite in spirit, those who recognize their sinfulness and dependency on God.
Humility is not about belittling ourselves but acknowledging the greatness of God. It involves being penitent, recognizing our need for forgiveness and restoration, and approaching God with reverence and awe.
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
This verse encourages us to cultivate an attitude of complete humility and gentleness, being patient and bearing with one another in love. Humility enables us to show grace and extend forgiveness, even when others fall short or offend us.
By imitating Christ’s humility, we create an atmosphere of unity and love within the body of Christ. Humility enables us to navigate relationships with grace and compassion, modeling Jesus to the world.
Psalm 149:4
“For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”
This verse reminds us that God takes delight in His people and crowns the humble with victory. When we approach God with humility, putting our trust in Him rather than relying on our own strength, He empowers us and brings forth victorious outcomes.
Humility allows us to recognize that any success or victory we experience is a result of God’s grace and provision. Through humility, we can triumph over life’s challenges and walk in the victory that God has prepared for us.
Psalm 18:27
“You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.”
This verse reveals that God saves the humble but brings low those who are proud in their hearts. Humility positions us to receive God’s salvation and deliverance.
When we recognize our need for a Savior and humbly surrender our lives to God, He lifts us up and saves us from the power of sin and the consequences of our rebellion. Humility allows us to experience the fullness of God’s redemption in our lives.
Matthew 18:4
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus teaches us the value of humility by saying that whoever takes the lowly position of a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Children possess a natural humility, trust, and dependency on their caregivers.
Humility involves acknowledging our need for God and trusting Him wholeheartedly, just as a child does. By embracing humility, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of God’s kingdom and the blessings that come with it.
Isaiah 57:15
“For this is what the high and exalted One says — he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'”
This verse reassures us that although God is exalted and holy, He also dwells with those who are contrite and lowly in spirit. Humility allows us to experience a deep intimate relationship with the Lord.
When we approach God with humility, confessing our sins, and seeking His presence, He revives our spirits and fills our hearts with His love, joy, and peace. Humility opens the door for us to enjoy the closeness and communion with our Heavenly Father.
Mark 9:35
“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'”
In this verse, Jesus teaches His disciples about the virtue of humility by exhorting them to be servants of all. By serving others selflessly, we demonstrate our willingness to humble ourselves and put others’ needs before our own.
Humility enables us to emulate the model of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. It shifts our perspective from self-centeredness to selflessness, reminding us that greatness in God’s kingdom is attained through humility and servant-hearted attitudes.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
In this verse, God speaks to Solomon, expressing the condition for forgiveness, healing, and restoration—humbling ourselves, praying, seeking God’s face, and turning from wickedness.
Humility plays a crucial role in our relationship with God. It involves recognizing our rebellion, confessing our sins, and turning to God with contrite hearts. Through humility, we position ourselves to receive God’s forgiveness, healing, and restoration.
Psalm 138:6
“Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.”
This verse reminds us that although God is exalted, He looks kindly upon the lowly. Humility captures God’s attention and attracts His favor and compassion.
When we cultivate humility before God, acknowledging His greatness and our dependency on Him, He draws near to us, ready to pour out His grace and love. Humility allows us to experience divine intimacy and divine favor.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
In this verse, Peter exhorts believers to be compassionate and humble, expressing the importance of these qualities in our relationships with one another.
Humility enables us to relate to others with compassion and understanding. It allows us to put aside selfish desires and preferences, considering the well-being of others and seeking their good. Humility fosters unity and harmony within the body of Christ.
Also Read: 25 Important Bible Verses About Plants (With Commentary)
What Does the Bible Say About Humility?
In the Bible, humility is consistently emphasized as a virtue that we should aspire to embody in our lives. It’s not just an isolated concept; it’s a recurring theme woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Humility, in biblical terms, is about having a right view of ourselves in relation to God and others.
Old Testament Perspective
Micah 6:8 – The prophet Micah tells us that the Lord requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This verse reminds us that humility is an essential part of our relationship with the divine.
Proverbs 11:2 – Solomon’s wisdom in Proverbs teaches us that with humility comes wisdom. When we acknowledge our limitations and submit ourselves to God, we gain insight and understanding.
Proverbs 15:33 – This verse reminds us that humility comes before honor. When we humble ourselves, God often exalts us in His time and way.
Isaiah 57:15 – Isaiah emphasizes that God dwells with those who are contrite and humble in spirit. Humility opens the door to a closer relationship with the Almighty.
New Testament Perspective
Matthew 5:3 – Jesus begins His famous Sermon on the Mount by declaring, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Being “poor in spirit” is often interpreted as being humble, recognizing our spiritual poverty apart from God.
Matthew 18:4 – Jesus teaches that whoever humbles themselves like a child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. This highlights the childlike trust and dependence that should characterize our relationship with God.
Philippians 2:3-4 – The Apostle Paul encourages us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but to consider others better than ourselves. This embodies the essence of humility – putting the interests of others ahead of our own.
James 4:6 – James reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This underscores the importance of humility in our approach to God.
In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that humility is a virtue that should define our character and relationships. It involves recognizing our need for God, putting others before ourselves, and acknowledging that any abilities or achievements we have are ultimately gifts from God. Humility is not a sign of weakness but of strength, as it reflects a deep trust in God’s wisdom and goodness. As we strive to live with humility, we align ourselves with the biblical values of justice, mercy, and love.