Topical Encyclopedia Humility is a virtue highly esteemed in the Bible, often depicted as a foundational characteristic of a righteous life. It is the quality of having a modest view of one's own importance and is frequently associated with meekness, lowliness, and submission to God. The excellency of humility is demonstrated through its profound spiritual benefits and its role in fostering a deeper relationship with God and others.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently highlights humility as a key attribute of those who seek to live in accordance with God's will. In the Old Testament, humility is often linked with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 22:4 states, "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life." This verse underscores the blessings that accompany a humble heart, suggesting that humility leads to divine favor and prosperity. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies the ultimate model of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Christ, though being in the form of God, "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." This passage illustrates the depth of Christ's humility, as He willingly relinquished His divine privileges to serve humanity and fulfill God's redemptive plan. Spiritual Benefits Humility is portrayed as a pathway to grace and spiritual growth. James 4:6 declares, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This verse highlights the divine favor bestowed upon the humble, contrasting it with the resistance faced by the proud. Humility opens the heart to receive God's grace, enabling believers to grow in faith and righteousness. Furthermore, humility fosters unity and peace within the Christian community. Ephesians 4:2-3 urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Here, humility is presented as essential for maintaining harmony and love among believers, reflecting the character of Christ in interpersonal relationships. Role in Prayer and Worship Humility is also crucial in the context of prayer and worship. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 illustrates the importance of a humble heart in approaching God. The tax collector, standing at a distance and unwilling to lift his eyes to heaven, prays, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Jesus commends the tax collector's humility, stating that he went home justified before God, unlike the self-righteous Pharisee. This parable emphasizes that humility is essential for genuine repentance and acceptance before God. It is through acknowledging one's own sinfulness and need for God's mercy that believers can experience true spiritual renewal and communion with the Lord. Exemplars of Humility Throughout Scripture, numerous individuals exemplify the excellency of humility. Moses, described as "a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3), demonstrates humility in his leadership and reliance on God. King David, despite his royal status, frequently expresses his dependence on God and acknowledges his own shortcomings, as seen in the Psalms. The Apostle Paul, once a zealous persecutor of Christians, becomes a humble servant of Christ, recognizing his own weaknesses and the sufficiency of God's grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , Paul writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." These examples illustrate that humility is not only a personal virtue but also a powerful testimony to God's transformative work in the lives of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 16:19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. . ... On the Excellency of Religion and Divine Love. A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... Epistle cxxii. To Rechared, King of the visigoths . Of the Second Sort of Unions: to Wit, Passive. ... Blessed are the Poor in Spirit "Boast not Thyself of To-Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day ... Matt. v. 1, 2 Letter xxiv (Circa AD 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon Of the Mortification of the Affections of the Will... Resources What does the Bible say about egotism / egoism? What is an egoist / egotist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the cause of church splits? How can healing occur after a church split? | GotQuestions.org What does “blessed are the meek” mean? | GotQuestions.org Humility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Humility: A Characteristic of Saints Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Humility: Saints should be Clothed With Humility: Saints should Beware of False Humility: Saints should Put On Humility: Saints should Walk With Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate Related Terms |
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