What Does the Bible Say About Humility?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Humility is one of the most powerful and often misunderstood qualities in the Bible.

Some people think humility means putting yourself down, acting weak, or letting others walk all over you.

But biblical humility is something much deeper.

It is about recognizing that everything we have comes from God, living with a heart that serves others, and understanding that true greatness comes through humility.

The Bible speaks often about the importance of being humble, showing us that God lifts up those who lower themselves before Him.

Jesus Himself lived a life of humility, and He calls His followers to do the same.

Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about humility, why it matters, and how we can live it out every day.

God Values Humility

Throughout Scripture, God makes it clear that He values humility and despises pride.

James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

This verse reveals something powerful—pride puts us in opposition to God, but humility draws us closer to Him.

Pride makes us believe we do not need God.

It leads us to rely on our own strength, wisdom, and achievements.

But humility recognizes that every good thing in our lives comes from God.

When we acknowledge this truth, we allow God’s grace to work in us.

Proverbs 22:4 reinforces this by saying, “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”

True humility is not about thinking less of yourself—it is about thinking of yourself less and putting God first.

Jesus Is the Ultimate Example of Humility

No one demonstrated humility better than Jesus.

Even though He was God in human form, He chose to live as a servant rather than a ruler.

Philippians 2:5-8 describes His humility beautifully:

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

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Jesus had every right to demand worship and honor, but instead, He humbled Himself and served others.

He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:12-15) to teach them that true leadership comes through serving.

He endured rejection, suffering, and even death, all out of love for humanity.

If the Son of God humbled Himself in this way, how much more should we strive to follow His example?

The Danger of Pride

The opposite of humility is pride, and the Bible warns that pride leads to destruction.

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Pride causes people to ignore God, mistreat others, and believe they are better than they really are.

It was pride that led Satan to rebel against God (Isaiah 14:12-15).

It was pride that caused Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, believing they could be like God (Genesis 3:5-6).

Pride blinds people to their need for God, while humility opens the door to His blessings.

God cannot fill a heart that is already full of itself.

But when we empty ourselves of pride, we make room for His grace.

Humility Brings Wisdom

One of the greatest benefits of humility is that it leads to wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

A humble person is willing to learn, listen, and admit when they are wrong.

They do not pretend to have all the answers but instead seek guidance from God and others.

Prideful people refuse correction, but the humble are open to growth.

James 3:13 asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

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True wisdom is not about knowing everything—it is about having the humility to seek truth and live it out.

How to Develop Humility

Humility does not come naturally.

It takes effort, intentionality, and a willingness to let God shape us.

Recognizing that everything comes from God is one of the first steps to humility.

First Corinthians 4:7 says, “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”

This verse reminds us that everything we have—our talents, abilities, possessions, and even our breath—comes from God.

Acknowledging this truth keeps us from becoming prideful.

Serving others is another powerful way to develop humility.

Jesus taught that the greatest in God’s kingdom are those who serve.

Matthew 23:11 says, “The greatest among you will be your servant.”

Humility is not just an attitude—it is something we practice through serving others.

When we put others before ourselves, we reflect the heart of Christ.

Being willing to admit mistakes is another key part of humility.

Pride keeps people from saying, “I was wrong.”

But humility allows us to acknowledge our faults and seek forgiveness.

Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Admitting mistakes does not make us weak—it makes us wise.

Avoiding the need for recognition is another way to practice humility.

A humble person does not need attention or praise.

Jesus warned in Matthew 6:1, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.”

True humility means doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

When we seek God’s approval rather than people’s praise, we walk in true humility.

Praying for a humble heart is essential.

Psalm 139:23-24 is a great prayer for those seeking humility:

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“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Asking God to reveal areas of pride and help us grow in humility is one of the best ways to develop a humble heart.

Humility Leads to God’s Blessing

God honors those who humble themselves before Him.

Matthew 23:12 says, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The world teaches that success comes from pushing yourself forward, but God’s kingdom operates differently.

Those who humble themselves will be lifted up in due time.

First Peter 5:6 encourages, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

When we trust God and walk in humility, He blesses us in ways we never could have achieved on our own.

Final Thoughts

The Bible makes it clear that humility is one of the most important qualities we can develop.

God values humility, Jesus modeled it, and the Scriptures teach us to seek it.

Pride leads to destruction, but humility leads to wisdom, favor, and blessing.

Humility is not about weakness—it is about surrendering to God’s strength.

When we recognize that all we have comes from Him, serve others with a joyful heart, and seek wisdom instead of recognition, we reflect the heart of Christ.

May we all strive to live with true humility, trusting that God will lift us up in His perfect timing.