Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Growing and Free for All

$5.00

Humility is an often misunderstood and overlooked virtue in the fabric of faith, yet it is central to a genuine relationship with the Divine. It is not about self-deprecation or weakness; rather, it is the modesty of faith—a recognition of our rightful place before Jehovah and an acknowledgment of His greatness and sovereignty.

In the biblical narrative, Moses is described as “very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). This was not because Moses had a low opinion of himself; he was aware of his capabilities and acted with authority when needed. His humility lay in his relationship with Jehovah, with an unassuming nature that made him teachable and obedient to divine direction. Moses’ encounter with Jehovah at the burning bush is an illustrative moment of this humility (Exodus 3). Here, Moses takes off his sandals in recognition of the sanctity of God’s presence, a gesture of reverence and submission.

Humility is also about seeing ourselves in the light of Jehovah’s holiness and our own sinfulness. Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6 is a profound example. When Isaiah sees Jehovah, he exclaims, “Woe is me, for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). It is a moment of honest self-assessment in the light of God’s purity. Similarly, the publican in Jesus’ parable who beats his breast and says, “God, be merciful to me a sinner,” illustrates the humility that recognizes personal inadequacy and seeks divine mercy (Luke 18:13).

Humility is also reflected in the willingness to serve others, following the example of Christ. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant, as a demonstration of humble service (John 13:1-17). He explains that true greatness in the kingdom of God is not found in lordship and authority but in service and humility.

The virtue of humility is fundamental in prayer and worship. When King Solomon dedicates the temple, he kneels in front of all the assembly of Israel—a display of humility not just before Jehovah but before the people he leads (2 Chronicles 6:13). It is a public act of humbling oneself before God, recognizing His supremacy and the need for His presence among His people.

Humility is necessary for learning and growth in faith. Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” A humble person is open to correction and instruction, like Apollos, who “began to speak boldly in the synagogue,” but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and “explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Apollos received their counsel and continued his ministry, better equipped to teach the truth.

Furthermore, humility is a safeguard against the deception of pride. The Pharisee who prays thanking God that he is not like other men is contrasted with the tax collector who pleads for mercy. Jesus concludes that it was the latter who went home justified before God (Luke 18:14). It is a reminder that self-righteousness is antithetical to true faith, which is grounded in a humble recognition of one’s need for God’s grace.

Humility also influences how we approach God’s Word. A humble heart does not twist the Scriptures to fit personal desires or preconceived notions but approaches God’s Word with a readiness to hear, accept, and apply it as truth. James 1:21 encourages believers to “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” It is through a posture of humility that the transformative power of God’s Word takes full effect in our lives.

In living out our faith, humility impacts our relationships with others. It is not passive; it actively seeks the good of others over personal ambition or vanity. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs believers to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This echoes the mind of Christ, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7).

Finally, embracing humility with the Divine shapes our perspective on life and its circumstances. Understanding that “Jehovah is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18) can bring comfort in trials. It assures that Jehovah does not disregard the humble but provides grace sufficient for their needs (2 Corinthians 12:9). In adversity, a humble trust in Jehovah’s sovereignty and goodness sustains the believer, much like Job, who despite his suffering, did not charge God with wrong (Job 1:22).

In summary, the modesty of faith is not in grandiose statements or flamboyant displays of piety. It is in the quiet, daily walk of truth that humbly aligns one’s heart with the heart of Jehovah. It is in the understanding that He is the potter and we are the clay, and in His hands, we find our purpose and our peace (Isaiah 64:8). The journey of faith, walked in humility before the Divine, is a journey of profound depth, marked by an enduring trust in the One who calls us to “walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). This walk is neither a sprint nor a solitary endeavor but a steady, lifelong pilgrimage alongside the shepherd of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).