What is true humility?

Zephaniah 3:12Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord.

Romans 12:3Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Humility means not thinking too highly of ourselves.

Matthew 18:4“So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Humility is childlike, with an attitude of total trust in a great God, rather than in our own human strength.

Philippians 2:3Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

Titus 3:2They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

Humility means truly caring about others and looking out for their best interests.

Psalm 51:3-4I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.

Humility means being willing to admit and confess sin.

Proverbs 12:23The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.

Humility involves refraining from proving how smart, strong, rich, respected, or talented we are. Humility recognizes that life is much more than competition.

Ephesians 4:2Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

Philippians 2:5-8You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Humility is the pathway to serving God and others.

Proverbs 12:15Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

Proverbs 13:10Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

Humility allows us to ask for advice.

Genesis 32:9-10Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, . . . you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’ I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant.”

Jacob realized that he was not worthy of all he had. This is a mark of humility. Humility comes when you recognize your need for God and then acknowledge how he provides for us.