Topical Encyclopedia Humility, as a virtue, is highly esteemed in the biblical narrative, and its absence is frequently condemned. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers and consequences of lacking humility, emphasizing the importance of a humble heart before God and others.Old Testament Insights The Old Testament offers several accounts where the absence of humility leads to downfall and divine judgment. One of the most notable examples is the account of King Nebuchadnezzar. In Daniel 4:30-31 , Nebuchadnezzar boasts about his achievements, saying, "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" His pride results in God humbling him by driving him away from human society until he acknowledges God's sovereignty. Similarly, Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This proverbial wisdom underscores the inevitable downfall that follows pride, a lack of humility that leads individuals away from God's path. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to emphasize the condemnation of pride and the necessity of humility. Jesus Himself teaches about the dangers of exalting oneself. In Luke 18:14 , after the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus concludes, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." This teaching highlights the divine principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of pride in his epistles. In Romans 12:3 , he advises, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you." Paul encourages believers to maintain a humble perspective, recognizing their dependence on God's grace. Consequences of Pride The Bible consistently illustrates that the want of humility leads to various negative consequences. Pride not only distances individuals from God but also disrupts relationships with others. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The opposition of God is a serious repercussion for those who lack humility, as it places them in direct conflict with the divine will. Furthermore, the absence of humility can lead to a hardened heart, making it difficult for individuals to repent and seek forgiveness. In the case of Pharaoh in Exodus, his persistent pride and refusal to humble himself before God resulted in the plagues that devastated Egypt (Exodus 10:3). Call to Humility The biblical call to humility is clear and compelling. Believers are urged to follow the example of Christ, who epitomized humility in His incarnation and sacrificial death. Philippians 2:5-8 exhorts, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing 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. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." In summary, the want of humility is consistently condemned throughout Scripture, with pride leading to divine opposition and personal downfall. The biblical narrative calls believers to embrace humility, following the example of Christ and recognizing their dependence on God's grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 33:23And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 36:12 Jeremiah 44:10 Daniel 5:22 Library Continues the Same Subject and Speaks of Aridities in Prayer and ... Spiritual Revival, the Want of the Church Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ... Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Beg? Blessed are the Poor in Spirit A Memorable History to Make Clearly Understood in what the Force ... Titus iii. 11-Aug Index of Subjects. Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop. Resources What was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about conceit / being conceited? | GotQuestions.org Who was John the Apostle in the Bible? | 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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