In his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren (not C.S. Lewis), said a very important phrase every Christian should know. “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” And C.S. Lewis said something else we should bear in mind. “If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.” How many of us, if questioned, would claim that we are humble? In reality, how many of us actually comprehend what the word means?
Humility should be visible in our words, deeds, even the way we think, but it’s one of those ideas that’s easy to discuss, difficult to understand, and even harder to embody. When we do, humility comes with many merits, namely honor before God and His exaltation. Before we receive these blessings, however, we have to recognize what holds us back. As Lewis says, “The first step is to realise that one is proud.” With that acknowledgment, we can read Scripture and better understand the intricacies of being humble. Let’s look at 15 Bible verses about humility.
15 Verses about Humility
“When arrogance comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
Humble people are open to learning, and they learn through listening. Proud people spend more time talking than listening.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
Only with a humble mindset, do we genuinely seek out God’s deliverance.
“Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)
Much like the previous verse, Jesus offers the blessing of rest and reprieve when we humble ourselves.
“Do you see a person who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12)
Humble people are comfortable acknowledging what they don’t know. Such is not the case with a fool.
“Humility, the fear of the Lord, results in wealth, honor, and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)
The fear of the Lord is living life according to His will. That’s exactly what humble people do because they recognize that their way is not the way.
“Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 18:12)
Honor and humility are consistently linked in Scripture. Pride is tied to a downfall, much like Satan, a fallen and prideful angel.
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
Sometimes we grow disheartened when corrupt politicians or terrorists commit acts and go unpunished. Some of Scripture’s promises are not felt in this lifetime, and sometimes we just don’t witness the outcomes.
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2)
C.S. Lewis may as well have referenced this verse. If we believe ourselves humble, chances are we are not!
“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” (Colossians 3:12)
Humility is like clothing to wear, meaning we have to make this a daily habit in order to fully embody the quality.
“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)
Children are an example symbol of humility because they depend on their parents for food, shelter, clothing, and more. That’s the ideal faith we need to have in God.
“A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.” (Proverbs 15:1)
With humility, we are less prone to aggressive reactions in the face of conflict.
“He mocks those who mock but gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34)
Arrogant people won’t have the last laugh with God.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. “ (Matthew 5:3)
Heaven belongs to the humble! Jesus is explicit about this.
“Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18-19)
We all have a choice to make, live a humble existence or one full of pride. The benefits and consequences of our choice are helpfully outlined in Scripture.
“Though the Lord is exalted, he takes note of the humble; but he knows the haughty from a distance.” (Psalm 138:6)
Being humble sometimes appears to be without merit. People don’t always notice our efforts. Yet, even when people do not, God does.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
If there’s any person we can point to as an example of humility, Jesus is the one.
Why Is Humility Important to the Christian Life?
There’s a single and simple answer to why humility is important to every Christian - we need God. While we worship and praise Him, we do so not because He needs us, but because we need Him. Through worship, we revere Him for being the head of our lives. We express an unfading appreciation and desire to be in a relationship.
In the verses we read, there’s a clear distinction between those who are proud and those who are humble. Proud (or prideful) people don’t position God at the forefront of their lives. That’s a place something or someone else holds, maybe themselves. Such people don’t recognize a need for God. Humble people, on the contrary, don’t put themselves on top. A humble Christian recognizes a need for God and does not pretend otherwise. If we attempt life without God, Scripture issues a very clear warning, destruction of some sort is bound to follow.
4 Ways Christians Can Humble Themselves
1. Pray
One way to humble ourselves is to pray. Through this act, we acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives and submit to His will. Prayers express to God, and ourselves, Lord I need you. That’s the attitude of a humble follower.
2. Read Scripture
Scripture offers plenty of verses about the importance of a humble mindset. The act of reading Scripture is itself a display of humility. We subject ourselves to learning from God, recognizing our own ignorance, and seeking His wisdom.
3. Put Others First
We have a number of different relationships at home, work, and elsewhere. With all the people we encounter, how many do prioritize above ourselves? A humble person makes a habit of listening to others before sharing and seeks to help before asking others for assistance.
4. Serve
With all the suffering in the world, there is always someone somewhere who is in need. Finding ways to serve others is a great way to serve God and maintain a humble attitude. Proud people wait to be served, but a humble person offers the service. And the most humble proactively seek out opportunities.
Humility is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, reminding us that this virtue is an important one, especially in our relationship with God. While difficult to cultivate, having a humble mindset is important, and not just important but essential. As humans we need God, and as humble Christians, we can ensure we pay Him the reverence He deserves.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Suwaree Tangbovornpichet
Aaron D'Anthony Brown is a freelance writer, hip-hop dance teacher, and visual artist, living in Virginia. He currently contributes to Salem Web Network’s Crosswalk platform and supports various clients through the freelancing website Upwork. He's an outside-the-box thinker with a penchant for challenging the status quo.
Get in touch with him at aarondanthony.com and check out his debut short story anthology Honey Dreams on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.