Proverbs 3:34-35 says, “He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.”
One of the primary character traits needed and demonstrated by great leaders and great people is humility. Jesus was humble, and we are called to be like him. Humility does not mean weakness, it actually means strength. It means in control. It means selfless, not selfish. Paul puts it this way in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” The humble person has an inner strength that is evident to those around them. Humility manifests itself in selfless and loving strength that seeks to serve and not be served.
Arrogance and pride are the opposite of humility. Arrogance puts the emphasis on self, humility places the focus on God and others. Humility asks, “what can I do for you?” and not “what can you do for me?” Humility puts God first, others second, and self, third. This doesn’t mean we lose our personhood. It means we choose to be a blessing to others. We are interested in serving God by serving others.
Every marriage could use a little more humility. In fact, every relationship would benefit by a greater dose of humility, whether at work, home, school, etc. Are you humble? Are you more concerned about serving others or being served? Are you arrogant or selfless? Paul and Proverbs challenge us to walk humbly, serve gently, and love greatly. How can we be more humble? In what relationships can we demonstrate greater humility? What is God saying to us right now about becoming more like Christ by being more humble and selfless?
As Ephesians 4:2 reminds us, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”