Humility is an essential quality in the human being, basic to foster an environment of love and understanding. Humility helps us admit our limitations and recognize when we are wrong or need help.
For the children of God, humility helps us to accept that we need him. Humility allows us to be guided by God in the search for harmony and the well-being of others.
What the Bible says about humility
Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the Lord imparts wisdom;
humility precedes honor.
(Proverbs 15:33)
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, then, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:6-7)
Ephesians 4:1-2
That is why I, who am in prison for the cause of the Lord, beg you to live in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, always humble and kind, patient, tolerant with one another in love.
(Ephesians 4:1-2)
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the humble, because they will receive the earth as an inheritance.
(Matthew 5:5)
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who bear my name, humble themselves and pray, and seek me out and abandon their misdeeds, I will hear them from heaven, forgive their sin, and restore their land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, saints and loved ones, clothe yourselves with tender affection and goodness, humility, kindness and patience, so that you bear with one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord forgave you, forgive you too.
(Colossians 3:12-13)
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfishness or vanity; rather, humbly regard others as superior to yourselves. Each one must look out not only for their own interests, but also for the interests of others.
(Philippians 2:3-4)
Philippians 2:5-8
Your attitude should be like that of Christ Jesus, who, being God by nature, did not consider equality with God something to cling to. On the contrary, he voluntarily lowered himself, taking on the nature of a servant and making himself similar to human beings. And, by manifesting himself as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, and death on a cross!
(Philippians 2:5-8)
James 4:6
But he gives us greater help with his grace. That is why the Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
(James 4:6)
Romans 12:3
By the grace given to me, I say to all of you: Let no one think of himself higher than he ought to think of himself, but rather think of himself with moderation, according to the measure of faith that God has given him.
(Romans 12:3)
Zephaniah 2:3
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth,
those who have put its rules into practice.
Seek justice, seek humility;
maybe they’ll find shelter
in the day of the Lord’s wrath.
(Zephaniah 2:3)
Proverbs 22:4
Reward of humility and fear of the Lord
they are riches, honor and life.
(Proverbs 22:4)
Proverbs 11:2
With pride comes reproach;
with humility, wisdom.
(Proverbs 11:2)
Psalm 25:9
He guides the humble in justice,
and shows them their way.
(Psalm 25:9)
James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
(James 4:10)
Matthew 18:3-4
Then he said: I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 18:3-4)
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, instead make yourselves supportive with the humble. Don’t believe the only ones who know.
(Romans 12:16)
Proverbs 29:23
The proud will be humbled,
but the humble will be exalted.
(Proverbs 29:23)
Psalm 34:2
My soul glories in the Lord;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
(Psalm 34:2)
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, young men, submit to the elders. Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, because “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
(1 Peter 5:5)
Luke 14:11
Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
(Luke 14:11)
Matthew 11:29-30
Take my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
(Matthew 11:29-30)
Micah 6:8
It has already been declared to you what is good!
You have already been told what the Lord expects of you:
practice justice,
love mercy,
and humble yourself before your God.
(Micah 6:8)
Proverbs 18:12
Failure is preceded by human pride;
honors are preceded by humility.
(Proverbs 18:12)
Colossians 2:18-19a
Do not let any of those who pride themselves on feigning humility and adoration of angels deprive you of this reality. Such boast of what they have not seen; and, puffed up by their human reasoning, they do not hold fast to the Head.
(Colossians 2:18-19a)
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him demonstrate it with his good behavior, through works done with the humility that his wisdom gives him.
(James 3:13)
Psalm 138:6
The Lord is exalted, but he takes into account the humble and looks from afar at the proud.
(Psalm 138:6)
Proverbs 3:34
The Lord mocks the mockers,
but he shows his favor to the humble.
(Proverbs 3:34)
Proverbs 16:19
It is better to humble yourself with the oppressed
Than to share the spoils with the proud.
(Proverbs 16:19)
Mark 9:35
Then Jesus sat down, called the twelve and said to them: If anyone wants to be first, let him be last of all and servant of all.
(Mark 9:35)
Isaiah 57:15
Because the exalted and sublime says it,
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I dwell in a holy and lofty place,
but also with the contrite and humble of spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble
and encourage the hearts of the broken.”
(Isaiah 57:15)
Proverbs 27:2
Don’t brag about yourself;
Let others praise you.
(Proverbs 27:2)
1 Peter 3:8
In short, live in harmony with each other; share sorrows and joys, practice brotherly love, be compassionate and humble.
(1 Peter 3:8)
Isaiah 66:2
It was my hand that did all these things; that is how they came to be, declares the Lord.
I esteem the poor and contrite in spirit,
those who tremble at my word.
(Isaiah 66:2)
Psalm 149:4
For the Lord delights in his people;
to the humble he grants the honor of victory.
(Psalm 149:4)
The biblical meaning of humility and its characteristics