Doormat. Chump. Sucker. Fool. Words few people hope to be described by. And rightfully so. Unfortunately, these words often get lumped together as synonyms for another word: humble.
Here are some less unpleasant words that may come to mind when you think about humility: unassuming, unpretentious, plain, meek. Better than “doormat,” perhaps, but still not descriptors that most would want on their tombstone.
Why is humility often thought of as a less-than-desirable character trait? Is it bad to be humble? Why did Jesus, in one of the most famous sermons of all time, say, “Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth”? (Matthew 5:5 CSB)
Humility’s gotten a bad rap. It deserves better. In fact, humility may be the secret sauce we’re all looking for to make our world a more loving, accepting place.
So, let’s talk about how to be humble—without being a pushover.
What Does It Mean to Be Humble?
For starters, being humble doesn’t mean you never stand up for yourself or your beliefs. Knowing your worth and setting healthy boundaries are important aspects of living in any community. It’s been said that “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” As with many things, it’s about balance.
Balancing Humility and Confidence
Throughout the Bible, we find countless examples of people working to find this balance.
- And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 NLT
- Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 NLT
- Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15 NLT
Across these verses, we see that this balance boils down to three things: our relationship with God, our relationship with others, and our relationship with ourselves.
And it all begins with our foundation, our relationship with God.
God’s Qualities Help Us Become Humble People
Since the beginning of time, God has been speaking to us. He speaks to us through Scripture, through other people, through miracles, and sometimes through His still, small voice. God deeply desires a relationship with each of us, so that we might know Him better, praise Him, and find wisdom, love, and ultimate meaning in Him. But it’s up to us. He lets us choose to follow Him or not.
5 Verses About Biblical Humility
True humility begins when you can sit before God and acknowledge that you can’t do it all on your own—but with Him, you can do anything. Here are a few Bible verses about biblical humility to help you fight arrogance and develop true humility.
1. Humility Is a Lifestyle (Micah 6:8)
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lᴏʀᴅ require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV
In God, we find the truth and grace—the justice and mercy—that we need to live a humble life. When you’re well-rooted in your relationship with God, that spills over into your relationships with others. In Jesus, God showed us what it could look like to live this kind of beautiful, humble, others-focused life.
2. Humility Is Others-Focused (Philippians 2:5-8)
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8 NIV
Now, none of us is Jesus. And none of us ever finds ourselves in the kind of physical anguish and torment that He willingly underwent on our behalf. But the idea of putting the needs of others before our own interests—even at great personal sacrifice—is a hallmark of the upside-down way of living that Jesus modeled for us, a way with love and compassion fixed as its guideposts.
3. Humility Sets Healthy Boundaries (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
Taken too far, however, you can run yourself ragged trying to take care of everyone and everything. Our relationship with and dependence on God reminds us of this. He calls us to do our part, but our part is not to be God. You can’t do it all; you have to take care of yourself. Remember: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
4. Humility Rests in Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
God does not want you to live a constantly weary, burdened life. You must take care of yourself—mentally, spiritually, and physically—if you want to have the strength to keep showing up for others.
Some of your relationships may need to look different for the ongoing health and healing of all involved. You may need to speak up for what you know to be right and true, even if it isn’t popular.
5. Humility Speaks Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15)
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15 NLT
Speak the truth in love. Say what needs to be said, speak up when you need to speak up, and set the boundaries that need to be set—but do it all with the kindness, grace, patience, and love that Jesus modeled for us.
3 Practical Ways to Be a Humble Person
Do you want to start living a life filled with more humility? Want a life focused on using your God-given strengths to honor Him and serve others—a life rooted in the power, grace, and guidance of Jesus? Here are a few practical things you can do.
1. Stay close to your Source.
Keep Jesus Christ at the center of all you do by spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and worshiping Him. When we get to know Him better, we also get to know who He created us to be, giving us the confidence and assurance we need to step into each new day.
2. Keep your eyes open.
Actively look and listen for the cries of those who need your help. Check in with your friends and family. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the needs that you are especially equipped to address. And don’t forget to follow Jesus’ example: Give of yourself every day, but find space to get away and recover, so you can continue to minister into the future.
3. Speak up.
The more you get to know your Creator, the more you’ll know His truth, and the more you’ll know His purpose for your life. He’s created you to make a difference, and it won’t always be easy. Don’t be shy about setting healthy boundaries in your relationships, and be intentional about surrounding yourself with other dedicated Christ followers through small groups, attending church, and becoming active in your community.
You’ve been created for a purpose: Love God. Love others.
Live out your purpose with grace and truth. That’s true humility.
This delicate dance of being attuned to God, others, and our own needs is perhaps best expressed in this section of Kate Bowler’s poem, A Blessing for Being Human. May God use it to speak to you today.
Yet blessed are we,
recognizing that it is our limits as well as our gifts
that can shape the natural contours of what is possible,
that guide us to what is ours to do.
Blessed are we when it is not our greatness that speaks, but our littleness.
For it is our vulnerability that is the truest thing about us,
the place where mutual connection is possible,
where competition ends and community begins.
And oh how blessed are we in our fragility and dependence and brokenness,
knowing that You, O God, hold all things together.