Introduction
Humility doesn't have a great reputation in a world that prizes self-assertion, yet the Bible makes it a condition for receiving God's grace. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, explore five facets of this virtue: humbling yourself before God so you may be lifted up, serving others without seeking honor, letting yourself be taught and corrected, following the example of Christ's humility, and discovering the promise made to the humble. Read them slowly, one at a time, and let God shape your heart.
Humbling Yourself Before God So You May Be Lifted Up
1. James 4:6
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
James writes to believers torn apart by rivalry and self-interested quarrels. He reminds them that "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." You cannot receive his grace with your hands full of yourself: admitting your need opens the door to his favor. Read all of James 4.
2. James 4:10
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you."
A few verses later, James gives the reverse of our natural instinct: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you." Humbling yourself isn't crushing yourself, it's ceasing to defend yourself before God. He is the one who then lifts you up, at the moment he chooses. Read all of James 4.
3. 1 Peter 5:6
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time,"
Peter writes to Christians tested by persecution and invites them to humble themselves "under the mighty hand of God." That hand which sometimes seems to press down is also the one that exalts "in due time." You don't have to force your own rise, only trust God's timing. Read all of 1 Peter 5.
4. Luke 14:11
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Jesus watches guests seeking the best seats at a table and tells a parable about humility. His conclusion sums it all up: "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." The ranking God establishes doesn't look like the one we draw up among ourselves. Read all of Luke 14.
Serving Others Without Seeking Honor
5. Philippians 2:3-4
"doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others."
Paul writes to the Philippians to ease tensions in the church. He asks that "in humility" they count "others better than" themselves, taking an interest in their concerns too. In practice, this changes the way you listen to and serve the people around you every day. Read all of Philippians 2.
6. John 13:14-15
"If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you."
On the eve of his death, Jesus takes the place of a servant and washes his disciples' feet. He concludes: "I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you." Humility doesn't settle for feelings, it translates into concrete acts of service. Read all of John 13.
7. Romans 12:3
"For I say through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith."
Paul warns against the spiritual pride that lurks even in the most gifted believers. He advises everyone to think "reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith." Your gifts come from God, which removes any reason to compare yourself proudly with others. Read all of Romans 12.
8. Galatians 6:3
"For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself."
In a letter that corrects false ideas about the law and freedom, Paul slips in this warning: "if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself." Humility begins with an honest look at yourself, without comparing yourself to others for reassurance. Read all of Galatians 6.
Letting Yourself Be Taught and Corrected
9. Proverbs 11:2
"When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom."
This proverb sets two opposite paths side by side: "when pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom." Pride always ends up colliding with reality and falling, while humility opens the way to lasting wisdom. Read all of Proverbs 11.
10. Proverbs 16:18-19
"Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud."
The sage warns that "pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall." He adds that it is "better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud." A modest, solid standing is worth more than success bought at the price of pride. Read all of Proverbs 16.
11. Psalm 25:9
"He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way."
David asks God to guide him and teach him his ways. He notes that Yahweh "will guide the humble in justice" and "will teach the humble his way." Being teachable, admitting you don't know everything, is the condition for growing under God's direction. Read all of Psalm 25.
12. Isaiah 66:2
"For my hand has made all these things, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but I will look to this man, even to he who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word."
God, creator of all things, specifies who he looks upon: "he who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word." It isn't power that catches his attention, but a broken heart that stands in awe before him. Read all of Isaiah 66.
The Example of Christ's Humility
13. Philippians 2:5-8
"Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross."
Paul invites believers to have "this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus," who, equal to God, "humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death." The highest humility ever lived out is that of the Son of God, who gave up his rights to save you. Read all of Philippians 2.
14. Matthew 11:29
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls."
Jesus speaks to people who are weary and heavily burdened. He describes himself this way: "I am gentle and humble in heart." This humility isn't weakness, it makes Jesus approachable, and it's precisely by learning from him that you will find "rest for your souls." Read all of Matthew 11.
15. Matthew 20:26-28
"It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Two disciples have just asked for the top seats in the kingdom. Jesus refocuses everything on service: "whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant." He himself sets the example by coming "not to be served, but to serve." Read all of Matthew 20.
16. John 3:30
"He must increase, but I must decrease."
John the Baptist watches his own disciples leave to follow Jesus, and he could worry about it. Instead he answers with a sentence that has become famous: "He must increase, but I must decrease." Humility accepts stepping back so Christ takes first place, without jealousy or bitterness. Read all of John 3.
The Promise Made to the Humble
17. Micah 6:8
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
The prophet answers a central question: what does God require of us? His answer fits in one sentence: "to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Humility isn't an optional extra, it belongs to the very heart of faith. Read all of Micah 6.
18. Matthew 18:4
"Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."
Jesus places a child among his disciples to answer their question about greatness in the kingdom. He declares that "whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." Greatness according to God is measured by simplicity, not self-assurance. Read all of Matthew 18.
19. Colossians 3:12
"Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;"
Paul describes the spiritual wardrobe of believers chosen and loved by God. Among the garments to "put on" is humility, alongside kindness and gentleness. It isn't a character trait reserved for a few, but an outfit anyone can choose to wear every day. Read all of Colossians 3.
20. Psalm 149:4
"For Yahweh takes pleasure in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation."
This psalm of praise recalls that "Yahweh takes pleasure in his people" and that he "crowns the humble with salvation." God doesn't despise the weakness or humility of his children, he instead makes it an occasion to display his glory and his salvation. Read all of Psalm 149.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is humility according to the Bible?
Biblical humility isn't putting yourself down, but having an accurate view of yourself before God and others. It acknowledges its dependence on God, rejoices in the success of others, and chooses to serve rather than be served, following the example of Jesus Christ himself.
Why does God resist the proud?
According to James 4:6, God resists the proud because pride shuts the door to his grace: you cannot receive what you already believe you possess. The humble person, on the other hand, admits their need and makes room for God to act in their life.
How can I grow in humility day to day?
Humility grows through small, repeated choices: listening before speaking, serving without being seen, accepting correction without justifying yourself, and thanking God for what you receive instead of taking credit for it. It's a lifelong exercise.
to take notes and ask questions.