In general terms, the humble person has the virtue of knowing his limitations and acts according to that knowledge. In other words, he knows well what he is or is not capable of doing. However, in the Bible we see that the humility that we children of God must have encompasses more.
humility in the bible
The biblical concept of humility refers to having a good understanding of who God is and who we are. This leads us to recognize the work of God in our lives and the fact that he has a purpose for us. Humility in the Christian must always impel him to live in obedience to God and submit to his will.
In Psalm 8, the psalmist David expresses very well what flows from a humble heart: admiration, gratitude towards God and disbelief that he has chosen him, saved him and wants to have friendship with him.
When I contemplate your skies, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you fixed there, I ask myself: «What is man, that you think of him? What is the human being, for you to take it into account?»
(Psalm 8:3-4)
Like us, David was imperfect. But he knew that he served a perfect God who could help him in everything. David made great mistakes, but he acknowledged them before God, humbled himself before him, and allowed him to restore him and guide him within his will. We see a clear example of this in Psalm 51 when David, after committing one of his most terrible sins, humbled himself and sought God’s forgiveness.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great love; according to your great goodness, blot out my transgressions. Wash me from all my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin.
(Psalm 51:1-2)
David did not justify himself. He recognized that he had sinned and appealed to God’s pity and mercy. He expressed his brokenness and pain by trusting in the goodness of the heavenly Father. His comfort flowed from what he knew about God: God is just and he is also merciful, merciful and forgiving. That was David’s confidence.
David understood that sin not only affects other people but is a direct affront against God (Psalm 51:3-4). And that’s how we should see it too. Our perspective is different and we are much more careful in everything we do and in our dealings with others when we realize that our sins are direct offenses against God. They hurt him!
It is there that we begin to act with humility: by recognizing that only God can cleanse us and that only he can help us live a righteous life, full of love and forgiveness. We must understand our need for him, for his presence, and for the profound transformation that only he can give us.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew my steadfast spirit. Do not take me away from your presence or take away your Holy Spirit. Give me back the joy of your salvation; May an obedient spirit sustain me.
(Psalm 51:10-12)
Jesus, our best example
Although David’s example is very good and from him we can learn a lot about humility, the best example we find in the Bible is that of Jesus, God incarnate. Philippians chapter 2 explains it very well. There we are encouraged to have the same attitude that Jesus had.
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! That is why God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name…
(Philippians 2:5-9)
Let’s look at some characteristics of humility that we can learn from the example of Jesus. Let us evaluate our hearts and ask God to help us grow each day in our likeness to Jesus.
8 characteristics of the humble person
1. Does not act under selfish or vain impulses
“Do nothing out of selfishness or vanity; …»
(Philippians 2:3a)
We must analyze our motivation, why we do things. Is it to satisfy our interests and our self-love? To feel proud of ourselves? If so, we are acting under the wrong attitude. Let us ask God to help us have the right motives (love, genuine concern, compassion), the ones that reflect his heart.
2. Considers others as superior to himself
“…rather, humbly regard others as greater than yourselves.”
(Philippians 2:3b )
Humility leads us to have an attitude of appreciation and consideration for others. It’s not that we’re going to put ourselves down or let ourselves be trampled on. Nope! But we will do everything and we will talk about it with respect. We will treat other people even better than we would like to be treated ourselves.
3. Takes into account the interests and well-being of others
“Each one must look out not only for their own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
(Philippians 2:4)
Humility gives us a broader vision that includes the well-being of the people around us. It helps us think about what we can do to help and bless the collective: family, friends, church, neighborhood, humanity. It makes us feel part of something bigger and leads us to contribute to the improvement of the lives of others.
4. He strives to be more like Jesus.
“Your attitude should be like that of Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 2:5)
The humble put aside their emotions or desires and focus on being more like Jesus. He prostrates himself at the feet of the Master every day because he wants to act and live in a way that glorifies him and he knows that by his mere efforts he will not achieve it. He seeks the anointing of the Holy Spirit and thus receives the spiritual strength to make decisions that reflect the character of Christ.
5. Does not cling to his rights, possessions or titles
“Your attitude should be like that of Christ Jesus, who, being God by nature, did not regard equality with God as something to cling to.”
(Philippians 2:5-6)
Jesus was God, but he did not treat others from a position of superiority. He chose to “cast aside” his divine nature and come as human, he identified with our needs and our frailty. He did not make claims full of pride, quite the opposite. He showed genuine interest in others and his heart was full of love, always ready to serve those around him. We have to do the same.
6. Identifies with others and shows empathy
“On the contrary, he voluntarily lowered himself, taking on the nature of a servant and making himself similar to human beings.”
(Philippians 2:7)
Jesus, while being God, voluntarily chose to come in the form of a man, lower himself and be like us. He identified with our struggles, our daily needs, the longings that well up in our hearts. The humble person must identify with the needs and desires of those around him. He must see them as equals and esteem them as he esteems himself.
7. Obey God always
“And, revealing himself as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, and death on a cross!”
(Philippians 2:8)
Jesus was willing to obey the Father until death. That is one of the clearest signs of humility: obedience to God. When we obey, we say to God, “I know you know what you’re doing and sooner or later this will work out for my good.” Obedience reflects total trust in God’s love, goodness, and faithfulness.
8. Wait for God to exalt you
“Therefore God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name”
(Philippians 2:9)
Jesus served people out of love. He was not a trade looking to receive the exaltation of men, or medals and prizes. He did everything out of obedience to God, knowing that he would receive his reward directly from the Father. So it was. God exalted him to the highest.
The exaltation that comes from God is eternal and is much greater than what any human being can offer us. The person who has a humble heart like Jesus rests in the certainty that the reward he will receive from God will be more than enough.
You want to grow in humility: follow the example of Jesus!
Take my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your soul.
(Matthew 11:29)
bible verses about humility