This small study, looks at the topic of humility, and the way the Bible uses this word. Humility is rare now days, but we will see how beneficial humility can be if exercised by a Christian believer. Lets have a look at the book of Proverbs:
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
In this verse, the word "fear" means respect. This is the correct meaning of this word in many instances in the Old Testament. What we learn here is that to be respectful towards God, is a wise thing to do (see also Proverbs 18:12). But what about the real honour? The answer is still in the Proverbs:
Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Here we learn that humility, and respect for God are "riches and honour and life". It is so very clear. To show respect towards God and to show humility, brings you the real "honour" real life (the life of God), and real riches that go much further, beyond materialistic conceptions. (This doesn't mean that anything materialistic we possess is bad, for God covers all our needs, and all the materialistic things we possess are through His blessing also).
When God in the Bible teaches us to show humility, He also indicates to do it not only towards Him, but towards other people too. We can see this in I Peter:
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Christians should show humility towards people too, not only towards God. And as we see at the second part of this verse, the reward is to be given grace by God. Here we also see that God "resisteth" the proud. The word "resisteth" is a somewhat free translation of the Greek word "antitasete" which means "opposes". The context is similar, but the correct meaning of the phrase "God resisteth the proud" is "God opposes the proud". No true believer would want to go against God! And humility is the way to avoid doing so.
Another Christian quality that goes along with humility, is meekness. If we go to Numbers, we see how highly God values meekness:
Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
Here we see that Moses was very meek, way beyond all people. God here uses the word "above", He classes Moses far above all people on earth, thanks to one characteristic that Moses possessed in excess: Meekness. It shows the importance of meekness to the eyes of God. In another verse, God specifically instructs us to be meek to everyone:
Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.
Another verse that shows how important meekness is, can be found in Psalms:
Psalms 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
The second part of this verse is a very important one regarding our correct approach towards the Word of God, which is the Bible. God teaches us His Word through the Bible. It becomes clear from this verse, that meekness is a requirement for correct comprehension of the Word of God, which we learn through study of the Bible. If we approach the Bible with pride, this will not let us be objective enough in order to leave aside our own pre-formed ideas, and to truly benefit from the correct study of the Bible.
There are so many references to meekness and its benefits in the book of Psalms, many of them are so crystal clear, that require no comment. See in Psalms 37:11, 76:9, 147:6
Psalms 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace
Psalms 76:9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
Psalms 147:6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
Psalms 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Also in the gospel of Matthew, we see what meekness can give us:
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
If we go to Colossians, we see that meekness is one of the qualities that God teaches us to possess:
Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Also in I Timothy:
1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
It becomes very obvious from all the above references how highly God regards meekness and humility. These are virtues that not only help believers become more objective with their study of the Word of God, but it also gives them a better understanding of the Bible, and above all it amplifies the strength of the communication and fellowship between each believer and God. Meekness and humility are certainly virtues that it is worth it to re-acquire, especially today in a troublesome world that’s full of pride and negativity. Thank you for reading this.
Tasos