Humility is a virtue highly regarded in the Bible, while pride is often cautioned against. Join us on a journey through scripture that teaches us the importance of humility and the pitfalls of pride.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Determination
Bible Verses About Humility And Pride
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility in our relationships with others. It encourages us to treat one another with humility, recognizing our own need for the grace of God. Humbling ourselves under God’s authority and submitting to His plan allows Him to work in our lives and exalt us in His perfect timing.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This verse warns against the dangers of pride and a haughty spirit. When we become filled with pride, thinking highly of ourselves and disregarding others, it can lead to our downfall. Pride blinds us from recognizing our own weaknesses and limitations, and it hinders our ability to grow and learn from others.
James 4:6
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
This verse echoes the words in 1 Peter 5:5 and reiterates that God opposes the proud but extends His grace to the humble. Humility opens our hearts to receive the abundant grace and blessings that God desires to pour out on us. It is through embracing humility that we can experience God’s favor and mercy in our lives.
Matthew 23:12
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Jesus teaches us the principle of humility and exaltation in this verse. Those who try to elevate themselves and seek their own glory will ultimately be humbled by God. On the other hand, those who choose to humble themselves in service to others will be exalted by God. This verse reminds us of the importance of having a humble attitude in all areas of our lives.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
This verse calls us to put aside selfishness and pride, choosing instead to view others as more important than ourselves. It challenges us to consider the needs and interests of others above our own. Having a humble perspective allows us to cultivate healthy relationships, fostering love and unity in our interactions with one another.
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
This verse highlights the connection between humility and wisdom. Pride often leads to disgrace, while humility opens the door to receive God’s wisdom. By acknowledging our need for God’s guidance and humbling ourselves before Him, we position ourselves to receive His wisdom and discernment in making choices that align with His will.
Luke 14:11
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Similar to Matthew 23:12, this verse emphasizes the principle of humility and exaltation. When we seek to elevate ourselves and seek recognition from others, we will ultimately be humbled. However, when we willingly humble ourselves and serve others, God will lift us up in His perfect timing and exalt us according to His plans for our lives.
Ephesians 4:2
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,”
In this verse, we are called to cultivate a spirit of humility, gentleness, patience, and love in our interactions with others. Humility is an essential ingredient in building healthy relationships and fostering unity within the body of Christ. It enables us to extend grace and understanding, allowing us to demonstrate Christ’s love to those around us.
Colossians 3:12
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”
This verse encourages us to “put on” the characteristics of humility, meekness, and patience as we live out our identity as God’s chosen and beloved people. These qualities reflect Christ’s character and enable us to respond with compassion and kindness, even in challenging situations. As we daily clothe ourselves in humility, we become more like Christ and bear witness to His love and grace.
Proverbs 22:4
“The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.”
This verse reminds us of the rich rewards that come with cultivating humility and reverential awe for the Lord. Humility positions us to receive the abundant blessings God desires to pour out upon us. True riches, honor, and true life are found in our willingness to submit to God’s ways and live with a humble heart.
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 well-known verse reminds us of the three essential aspects of our relationship with God: doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with Him. Walking humbly with God involves recognizing our need for His guidance, surrendering our will to His, and acknowledging His authority over our lives. Humility is an integral part of our faith journey as we seek to align our lives with God’s will and purposes.
Proverbs 27:2
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”
This verse cautions against boasting or seeking praise for oneself. Instead, it encourages us to let others acknowledge our achievements and give us praise. Humility allows us to recognize that any success or talents we possess are gifts from God, and it redirects the glory back to Him rather than seeking it for ourselves.
Romans 12:3
“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.”
This verse instructs us to have a sober judgment of ourselves and not to think more highly of ourselves than we should. It highlights the importance of having a proper perspective on our own abilities, realizing that even our faith is a gift from God. Humility reminds us that everything we have and are is by the grace and mercy of God.
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
This verse, part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, highlights the virtue of meekness, which is closely related to humility. Meekness refers to a gentle and humble attitude, recognizing our need for God’s guidance and grace. The meek are promised to inherit the earth, pointing to the eternal blessings and rewards that come to those who embrace humility.
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.”
In this verse, God reveals the qualities that catch His attention: humility, contrition (repentance for our sins), and reverence for His Word. Humility enables us to enter into a deep relationship with God, positioning us to receive His grace, guidance, and favor as we align ourselves with His Word and surrender to His will.
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.”
This verse speaks to the power of humility in our relationship with God and its impact on our nation. Humbling ourselves, seeking God’s face, repenting from our sins, and turning to Him opens the way for His forgiveness, healing, and restoration. Humility invites God’s presence, transforming both individuals and societies.
Galatians 6:14
“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Paul’s words in this verse encapsulate the essence of humility. He declares that his only boasting is in the cross of Jesus Christ, recognizing that his salvation and identity are found solely in Christ. True humility involves acknowledging our limitations and unworthiness before God while placing our trust and confidence in the finished work of Christ.
Psalm 25:9
“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”
This verse highlights how humility positions us to receive God’s guidance and wisdom. When we approach the Lord with an open and humble heart, He leads us on the path of righteousness and teaches us His ways. Humility fosters a teachable spirit, allowing us to be transformed and molded by God’s truth.
Proverbs 15:33
“The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”
This verse links humility with wisdom and honor. When we approach God with a reverential fear and humble ourselves before Him, He imparts wisdom and understanding. Humility precedes honor, reminding us that true honor comes from God alone and is not something we can achieve or attain through our own efforts.
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.'”
In this verse, God assures us of His presence and care for those who have a contrite and humble spirit. Though God is exalted and dwells in a high and holy place, He also abides with those who approach Him with humility and a broken spirit. God delights in reviving and restoring those who recognize their need for Him.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
“Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.'”
In this passage, God encourages us not to boast in our own wisdom, strength, or material possessions. Instead, we are to boast in our knowledge and understanding of Him. True humility recognizes that our greatest source of pride should be our relationship with God and our understanding of His character, love, justice, and righteousness.
Mark 10:43-45
“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus teaches His disciples about the humble servant leadership that should characterize His followers. He proclaims that greatness in His Kingdom is not found in positions of authority and power but in humble service and self-sacrifice. The ultimate example of humility is Christ Himself, who gave His life as a ransom for many.
3 John 1:9-10
“I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.”
This passage serves as a warning against the destructive nature of pride and selfishness. Diotrephes is named as an example of someone who seeks to put himself first and disregard the authority of the apostles. His pride manifests in refusing to welcome others and even expelling those who desire to show hospitality. This passage reminds us to guard against such tendencies and cultivate humility and a servant heart.
In reflecting on these verses, we see that humility is a foundational virtue in the Christian life. It is a recognition of our true position before God, acknowledging our need for Him in every aspect of our lives. Humility opens the door for God’s grace, guidance, wisdom, and blessings to flow into our lives.
When we cultivate humility in our relationships with others, it fosters love, unity, and compassion. It encourages us to treat others with kindness, gentleness, patience, and a genuine concern for their well-being. Humility enables us to view others as more significant than ourselves, valuing their perspectives, and working towards reconciliation and harmony.
Humility also plays a crucial role in our relationship with God. It involves submitting to His will, surrendering our desires and plans, and recognizing His authority and sovereignty over all things. Humility positions us to receive God’s instruction, wisdom, and guidance. It allows us to experience His grace, mercy, and forgiveness as we acknowledge our own sinfulness and dependency on Him.
Conversely, pride is the antithesis of humility. It blinds us to our own faults and weaknesses, obstructing growth and hindering our ability to learn from others. Pride can manifest in arrogance, self-centeredness, boastfulness, and a disregard for others. It drives a wedge between us and God, disrupting our intimacy with Him and hindering our ability to receive His blessings and favor.
Therefore, let us continually seek to cultivate humility in every aspect of our lives. Let us humble ourselves before God, recognizing His sovereignty and submitting to His will. Let us approach others with humility, treating them with kindness, love, and respect. By embracing humility, we position ourselves to experience the abundant blessings, grace, and favor that God longs to pour out upon us.
What Does the Bible Say About Humility And Pride?
The Bible has a lot to say about humility and pride. In Proverbs 16:18, it says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This warns us about the dangers of being prideful, as it can lead to downfall and destruction.
On the other hand, the Bible also encourages us to practice humility. In Philippians 2:3-4, it says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This verse teaches us to prioritize the well-being of others and to have a humble attitude.
In the book of James, it says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10). This shows that God honors those who are humble and have a proper understanding of their place before Him.
Jesus himself is the ultimate example of humility. In Philippians 2:5-8, it describes how Jesus, even though He was God, humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death on a cross. His humility was for the sake of our salvation.
In summary, the Bible teaches us that humility is a virtue to be embraced, while pride is to be avoided. We should strive to imitate the humility of Christ and consider others above ourselves, knowing that God exalts the humble and opposes the proud (1 Peter 5:5).