The Bible says that true humility and fear of the Lord “lead to riches, honor, and long life” (Proverbs 22:4, NLT). In both the Old and New Testament, humility is essential for establishing a right relationship with God and other people. Humility is also necessary for maintaining a proper perception of ourselves. In this collection of Bible verses about humility, we’ll learn about a character trait that greatly pleases God and one that he highly praises and rewards.
What Does the Bible Say About Humility?
In the Bible, humility describes a character quality that properly values and accurately assesses oneself, especially in light of one’s sinfulness. In this sense, humility is a virtue that involves modest self-perception. It is the direct opposite of pride and arrogance. The Bible says that humility is the appropriate posture people ought to have with God. When we maintain a humble attitude, we reveal our dependence on God.
Humility can also refer to a lowly state of being, the inferiority of station or status, or a position of modest economic means. As such, humility is the opposite of importance and wealth.
The Hebrew word for humility carries the idea of crouching down, bowing low to the ground, or being afflicted. Several terms in the Greek language convey the concept of humility: submissiveness, meekness, abasem*nt, modesty of character, lowliness of spirit, neediness, and smallness, to name a few.
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Humility is a character quality that is of supreme value in the eyes of God. The Bible tells us that the Lord blesses, honors, and favors those who are genuinely humble.
James 4:6-7
And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NLT)
James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. (NLT)
1 Peter 5:5
In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (NLT)
Psalm 25:9
He [the Lord] leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. (ESV)
Psalm 149:4
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. (ESV)
Proverbs 3:34
Toward the scorners he [the Lord] is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. (ESV)
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (NIV)
Proverbs 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. (NIV)
Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. (CSB)
Proverbs 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. (NIV)
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. (NIV)
Isaiah 66:2
My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the LORD, have spoken! I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word. (NLT)
We Must Become Less
God’s greatest servants are those who seek only to exalt Jesus Christ. When Jesus came on the scene, John the Baptist faded into the background, letting Christ alone be magnified. John knew that being least in God’s kingdom is what makes one great.
Matthew 11:11
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (NIV)
John 3:30
“He must become greater; I must become less.” (NIV)
Matthew 18:3–4
And he [Jesus] said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (NIV)
Matthew 23:11–12
The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (ESV)
Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (ESV)
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (NIV)
Proverbs 16:19
Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. (NLT)
Value Others Above Yourself
Selfish ambition and vain conceit are not compatible with humility, but rather are born from pride. Christian love will motivate us to act humbly toward others and value them above ourselves.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. (NIV)
Ephesians 4:2
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (NLT)
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (CSB)
Clothe Yourself With Humility
The Christian life involves inner transformation. By the Holy Spirit’s power, we are changed from our old sinful nature into the image of Christ. Jesus, who is the ultimate example, demonstrated the greatest act of humility by emptying himself of glory to become a human.
True humility means seeing ourselves as God sees us—with all the worth and worthiness that he ascribes to us, but with no more value than anyone else. When we submit to God and give him the first place in our lives as our supreme authority and are willing to serve others, we practice sincere humility.
Romans 12:3
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (NLT)
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NIV)
James 3:13
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. (NLT)
Zephaniah 2:3
Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you—protect you from his anger on that day of destruction. (NLT)
Micah 6:8
Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God. (CSB)
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The article explores the theme of humility as portrayed in the Bible, emphasizing its significance in establishing a righteous relationship with God and others. Humility, defined as a virtue that involves modest self-perception, stands in direct contrast to pride and arrogance. The Hebrew and Greek terms associated with humility offer a nuanced view, encompassing submissiveness, meekness, abasem*nt, modesty of character, lowliness of spirit, neediness, and smallness.
One key aspect highlighted is that God bestows grace upon the humble. Various Bible verses, including James 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:5, and Psalm 25:9, underscore the notion that God opposes the proud but extends grace and favor to those who embrace humility. Proverbs 22:4 particularly states that humility is the fear of the Lord, bringing with it riches, honor, and life.
The article further explores the idea that God's favor rests upon those with humble and contrite hearts, as stated in Isaiah 66:2. It emphasizes the transformative nature of humility by citing 2 Chronicles 7:14, where humbling oneself, praying, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways lead to forgiveness and healing.
The concept of becoming less to exalt Christ is discussed through passages like Matthew 11:11 and John 3:30, highlighting the idea that true greatness lies in selfless service. The article also references Matthew 18:3–4, where taking a lowly position is deemed great in the kingdom of heaven.
The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of valuing others above oneself, as expressed in Philippians 2:3. It encourages believers to clothe themselves with humility, drawing on Romans 12:3, Colossians 3:12, and James 3:13, which stress the need for honest self-evaluation and the practice of humility in daily life.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of humility in the Bible, drawing on a myriad of verses that emphasize its importance in one's relationship with God and fellow humans. The presented information reflects a deep understanding of biblical teachings and a profound appreciation for the theological significance of humility.
