Humility

Much has been written about humility; it is a grace that is entirely contrary to our fallen nature. Thomas Watson said, “Man is a proud piece of flesh,” and there is no denying this truth. All the more reason why we are to pursue this virtue: “Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility” (Zeph. 2:3).

So, what is humility exactly? It is having a modest estimate of one’s own importance; not proud; not self-assertive; modest; lowly; unpretentious.That should give us enough to work with. Though this study was put together for married women, it certainly does not mean married women are the only ones who need humility. A humble woman, married or unmarried, will be a tremendous asset to her church, her home, her family, and her community.

God sets Himself against the proud, but He works with the humble of heart, guiding, teaching, lifting up, giving grace: “The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way” (Ps. 25:9). “The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground” (Ps. 147:6). “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6). “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud” (Prov. 16:-18-19). “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure” (Ps. 101: 5).

We are to be humble first in our demeanor toward God, and secondly toward all men. I would suggest that this would begin with our family and work its way out toward everyone else. If we have a humble demeanor toward our husbands and children (which may be the toughest to cultivate), then we can easily be humble toward the cop who pulls us over, the salesclerk who is being pokey, the friend who wrongs us, or the neighbor who is fussy. It also means we will be flexible (not whiney) when the church elders decide to rearrange the service, the road is closed, the instructor gives a pop quiz, or the boss gives a tough assignment.

“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men” (Titus 3:2).

If children can learn to be submissive to their parents, they will learn the better part of humility which they can then apply in all their relationships: “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:5-7).

In all this, our example is our Savior: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:8).

Humility is not only pleasing to God, but it is good for the souls of those who cultivate it: “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life” (Prov. 22:4). “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered” (Prov. 28:25).

We are to hang out with the humble, not the rich and famous. God does this, and we are to imitate Him. “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (Rom. 12:16).

We are to steer clear of those with a high opinion of themselves, because God doesn’t think much of them either: “A proud and haughty man –”Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride” (Prov. 21:24).

How do we grow in humility? By cultivating a high view of God and a low view of ourselves.This means loving God’s Word and worshiping Him with all we are and have. Then, as we extend it to others, it mean courtesy and deference toward our husbands, children, and everyone else.

That means in the little things like listening when they speak to us and not interrupting or being argumentative.

It means letting others go first, giving them the best seat or the biggest piece. It means we rejoice when others are honored and we are overlooked, when others get the credit for things we have done, or when no one thanks us for the good job we have done. Humility doesn’t notice.

The opposite of humility is that ugly thing called pride which destroys us. If we are proud, we feel unduly pleased with ourselves. We are full of self-respect and think much of our own qualities, skills, accomplishments, opinions, or merits. Pride blinds us and hardens us so that we cannot see our own faults, only those of others. It makes us unapproachable, unteachable, judgmental, impatient, and critical of others. Another Thomas Watson quote here: “Fault-finding is the easiest thing in the world.” Pride is a good qualifier if you want to be a fault-finder.

How can we tell if we are humble? One way is this: how do you respond when others are praising the Lord? Are you glad or are you embarrassed? Listen to Psalm 34:1: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth; my soul shall makes its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.” Michal was not glad when she saw David her husband dancing before the Lord. She scoffed him, feeling superior and ashamed of his uncool behavior. God did not bless her for that. In fact, Scripture says she remained childless.

We are to be like those described in Acts 20:19, “serving the Lord with all humility.” This is our duty and calling. We serve the Lord when we respect our husbands, love our children, worship on the Lord’s Day, assume our humble household chores with a cheerful heart, and bestow good on others. This is the essence of humility.