Topical Encyclopedia Humility is a central theme in the Bible, often portrayed as a virtue that leads to divine favor and exaltation. The Scriptures consistently illustrate that those who humble themselves before God are lifted up by Him. This entry explores the biblical understanding of humility and highlights key figures who exemplified this trait, resulting in their elevation by God.Definition and Importance of Humility Humility, in the biblical sense, is the quality of having a modest view of one's own importance. It involves recognizing one's dependence on God and submitting to His will. The Bible frequently contrasts humility with pride, emphasizing that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. As stated in James 4:6 , "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Biblical Examples of Humility and Exaltation 1. Moses: Moses is often cited as a paragon of humility. Despite his significant role as the leader of Israel, he is described as "a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). His humility before God and his willingness to intercede for the people of Israel led to his exaltation as a prophet and leader. 2. David: King David's life is a testament to the principle that God exalts the humble. As a young shepherd, David was chosen by God to be king over Israel, a decision that surprised even the prophet Samuel. David's humility is evident in his psalms, where he consistently acknowledges his reliance on God. In Psalm 18:27 , David declares, "For You save an afflicted people, but You humble those with haughty eyes." 3. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Mary is another profound example of humility. When the angel Gabriel announced that she would bear the Son of God, Mary responded with submission and humility, saying, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Her humble acceptance of God's will led to her being honored as the mother of the Savior. 4. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of humility is found in Jesus Christ, who, though being in the form of God, "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). His humility in life and obedience unto death on the cross resulted in God exalting Him to the highest place, as described in Philippians 2:9 : "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names." Teachings on Humility and Exaltation The Bible teaches that humility is a prerequisite for receiving God's favor and being lifted up by Him. Proverbs 22:4 states, "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life." Similarly, Jesus taught His disciples, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11). Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently affirms that humility is a virtue that leads to divine exaltation. Through the lives of Moses, David, Mary, and Jesus, among others, the Scriptures illustrate that those who humble themselves before God are lifted up by Him, receiving His grace and favor. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 4:10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Psalm CXXX. (CXXXI. ). Psalm CXXXI. Humility. That the Grace of Devotion is Acquired by Humility and Self-Denial That in Adam's Sin an Evil Will Preceded the Evil Act. The Loftiness of Humility On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Pride and Humility Pride and Humility The Grace of God. Resources What does the Bible say about humility? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about ego? | 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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