7 Biblical Promises for Walking in Humility
Humility.
A characteristic missing from a “me” culture. A trait often overlooked when climbing the corporate ladder—any ladder going to the top.
And a powerful attribute underestimated for leaders in ministry, coaching, business, and more. It’s usually misunderstood in our present world. Even tossed to the side.
But God calls His people to put on, walk in, and practice humility in every area of our lives.
Because even becoming Christ-followers starts with recognizing Jesus as Lord and Savior. We’re not our own lord or savior.
So the Bible has much to say about the subject and the promises surrounding it.
Humility is a characteristic missing from a “me” culture. But God calls His people to put on, walk in, and practice humility in every area of our lives. #Biblical #humility Share on X(1.) God Hears Humble Pleas
King Josiah is spared from disaster for those who didn’t keep God’s law. “Because your heart was tender…and you have humbled yourself before me…and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord” (2 Chronicles 34:27).
Jesus told this parable. “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ But I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14).
(2.) God Heals Contrite Hearts and Nations
The Lord spoke to Solomon when he finished the house of the Lord. Although God sent pestilence or stopped the rain when His people disobeyed, He gave this promise. “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite’” (Isaiah 57:15).
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 #Biblical #humility Share on X(3.) Humility Births Godly Wisdom
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).
“Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way” (Psalm 25:8-9).
(4.) Salvation Comes Through Humility
“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4).
“For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down” (Psalm 18:27).
(5.) We Walk Humbly With God, Boast in Him
“This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2b).
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
God doesn’t choose the worldly wise, noble, or strong. But those foolish and lowly by the world’s standards, “so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” But we boast in the Lord. (See 1 Corinthians 1:26-30.)
(6.) Relationships Clothed in Humility
“Clothe yourselves…with humility toward one another…. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:5-6).
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
(7.) We Look Like Jesus
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:3-11).
After Jesus washed the disciples feet, He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:16).
In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Have this mind among you, Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient…to death on a cross. Philippians 2:3-8 #Biblical #humility Share on XCharacteristic in a Jesus Culture
Humility. A characteristic in a Jesus culture. A trait for climbing the stairway for God’s kingdom purposes. And a powerful attribute for ministry leaders and all of God’s people in service to others and Him.
Also, serving and loving people like God as in my article, Faces: Stories They Tell and Why Love Matters.
What areas of life do you need to practice being humble?
*All Scripture ESV, emphasis added to some verses.
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Have been learning, for many years now it seems, that this life is not about me, but about who is in me. Great post ma’am! Thank you so much for these wonderful and inspiring reminders that how we walk through this life matters.
Yes, J.D. It’s never about “me.” But about the One who said, “Follow me.” May our walk match our talk.
I pray I will humble myself and allow the love of Christ to shine through in all my thoughts, words and actions.
Melissa, prayer is where humility starts. And even praying these Scriptures about humility back to the Lord, believing His truth permeates our being.
Thank you for the encouragement today. How quickly we can lose our humility as we allow the world to invade our souls. This life is not about us, we are here to point others to the true source, Christ.
Agreed. When the world tugs at our soul and tries to convince us the universe revolves around humans, us, may we not take the bait. All of creation is made to worship the one true God.
Such an important trait we miss. I watched my dad display this in his life and now I long to develop this more and more. It draws us closer to God, when we know it isn’t about me. Thanks Karen for your post!
Ava, thankful your dad modeled this for you. That’s part of a great legacy to leave behind…a life marked by humility. I long to develop more, too!
Karen, there is so much wisdom and encouragement in your words. Humility is a theme God has brought me back to time and again. Last year, God had me read, Humility, by Andrew Murray. I had to take it in small bites because it was so meaty. I appreciate all the verses and thoughts you’ve shared here.
Thanks, Jeanne. I’ve never heard of that book, but sounds like an amazing read. “For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4 ESV).
Humility is key in our relationship with God and with others. Micah 6:8 is my life verse, by the way! Thank you, Karen, for bringing the all-important quality of humility to the forefront today.
Blessings!
I love that Micah 6:8 is your life verse, Martha. I didn’t know that. Walking humbly with God (which includes how we relate to others in humbleness) is vital on this spiritual journey. God bless!
I think God is always teaching me about humility. It can rear it’s ugly head when I least expect it…Thank you for your post.
Pride certainly can rear it’s ugly head in our all lives because of this flesh suit we live in here on earth. Thanks for commenting.
We just studied “Blessed are the meek” yesterday in Bible study. This follows right along with that. I was also thinking about how it follows for praying for our country.
I’m writing on spiritual disciplines on my blog. I wondered if you might be interested in a guest post on humility (or any other discipline that is near and dear to your heart). I like to use guest writers for my Legacy Link-ups it gets more traffic for everyone. Next available is June 23.
Mandy, that’s a great study as well. And does seem to go hand-in-hand with being humble. I’ve read some of your spiritual discipline articles. I’ll make a note to think and pray over this and let you know. Thanks so much!
Good word Karen. As Believers we all have to find that delicate balance. Humility in understanding that it is He that gives the increase and ability. We also need to understand who we are in Christ- not just an insignificant nobody but one that is the apple of His eye and carries the posture that in Christ we can do mighty exploits. Many in the body of Christ have cancelled out their significance and the enemy has lied to them about their worth and abilities in Christ. I think as we mature in Christ we gain a greater perspective on how it is the Lord that enables us, but we must be willing, in humility, to step forth and take our rightful place in the body of Christ. Never to leave this side of eternity without utilizing what God has placed within.
Agree, Valerie. Humility is not about not knowing who we are in Christ, but knowing and believing our value and worth because of Him. It’s just about a posture, like you said, that keeps us with the right heart motive in who God and Jesus are…higher than us and the reason we are gifted and called to kingdom work.
What a beautiful and thorough reminder of the necessity of a humble and contrite heart, a heart that comes to the Lord knowing that he alone is the One we need to heal us and to carry us along, a heart that knows that we cannot even reach him without the loving sacrifice of his Son. Thank you for sharing these verses and thoughts with us this week, Karen!
So this resonated with you, Melinda. One friend mentioned how I let the Bible speak for itself! And that’s always a good thing, because humility is there in black and white. I think this passage puts in in perspective: “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite’” (Isaiah 57:15 ESV). Reminds us who we are, who God is, and how we come to him with a humble and contrite heart and spirit.
This is one of those traits that’s not highly valued in the world, but is essential for the Christian. It *should* come easily to us when we remember that anything good in us comes from Christ, not ourselves. But too often it doesn’t. I’m glad for these reminders. I especially love the verse about being clothes in humility. That’s all the time in every situation!
Barbara, it doesn’ hold much value in the world’s eyes. I like how you pointed out it is essential for the Christian. Yes, if we can find the strength in Christ living in us, we can put on humility every day. “Clothe yourselves…with humility toward one another…. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:5-6 ESV).
Thanks Karen,
I did find it on my email, but what I was missing was the comment area , so I was trying to sign in. So, everything is fine. Thanks for this message on humility. I love the scripture 2 Chronicles 7:14. As, well as many of the others. Today many misinterpret humility as weakness or naivety, like my family. Makes it hard to witness or share with them. Prayers for their hearts to be softened! All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me! Amen.
Okay, good, Carla. Glad you found a way to leave your insightful thoughts. And, I agree with you, humility is misunderstood like meekness in the Bible as a weak person in general. But nothing is farther from the truth. Even in Jesus’ example: After Jesus washed the disciples feet, He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:16 ESV).
Praying for your family members to have hearts softened to receive the gospel message.
Wonderful post, Karen! “Humility” is my word for the year. I loved reading your thoughts on the topic. Humility is something that seems to be lacking these days, especially when you read the newspaper or listen to the news. If we truly do look like Jesus, our humility should shine through.
Hey Laurie, I love that humility is your word this year. And that’s one of my favorite parts about humility…it causes us to look more like Jesus and, yes, shine through.
Humility runs counter to our self-centered, prideful nature. Thank you for filling me with God’s Word and His nature as I read this article, to help carve away at that ungodly trait within me. Heavenly Father, give us a heart and mind like Jesus, to walk with you, love others and serve in humility, boasting in You and You alone. I need to read God’s Word over and over again to nurture His truth, that His Spirit may take hold deeper still. In humility. Blessings to you, dear sister!
Amen, Melissa. I’m praying that prayer along with you. I want to nurture His truth and nurture a characteristic of humility in every area of my life. Because humility is a characteristic in a Jesus culture. A trait for climbing the stairway for God’s kingdom purposes. And a powerful attribute for ministry leaders and all of God’s people in service to others and Him.
Hi Karen. I was pretty arrogant in my youth and humility may be the area of my life where I have seen the most growth. I have seen my arrogance hurt others and break down my relationships, and, as arrogance goes, it was not evident behind the scenes in my one-on-one relationship with God even though it directly affected it. But God is merciful and gracious and He helped me see how bad it truly was. Now, when I see arrogance in others (or however ego/pride is manifested), it is a big turn-off for me. So now I need to focus more on being merciful and gracious toward others in the same way God was toward me (which, of course, requires humility). Humility is such a necessary quality in a maturing relationship with God.
“Humility is such a necessary quality in a maturing relationship with God.” So true, Stephen. And I believe we’ve all had our seasons of being prideful in some way or another and have to continue to grow in that area even now. Humility is so key in relationship with God and others. I sometimes don’t realize I’m being prideful when I can’t lay down my right to be right. That’s nothing but pride. Lord, make us humble people for your kingdom.
I wonder whether, when we read II Chronicles 7:14, we don’t skip over that word, humble. We know what repentance looks like and we understand prayer (or believe we do). But that humble thing. Hmm. I’ll ponder that idea myself. Thank you!
What a great point, Nancy. I’d say we all may forget the enormity of what that word means in scripture. And we all need a reminder about humility often, I know I do.
I struggle with humility and always have. I imagine we all do! But it is so liberating to know that it’s not about me at all… it’s always and only ever been about God.
I think as long as we are waging war with the spirit and the flesh, we will struggle putting on humility. But thank God He is ready and willing to help us with the power of Christ in us and for us!
Karen, the scriptures you used in your post are so powerful! Reading through them slowly and absorbing each truth builds up the trait of humility. I agree, that humility is not easily found today. Too much about ‘me’ is present in our lives. It’s quite the temptation to overcome. One benefit I have learned from being humble is I’m a better listener; likewise, I serve intentionally for the sake of others because my service is no longer about me. Thank you for sharing so much truth!
Those are good points, Marcie. When we truly listen to hear others and their needs, we can’t help but serve out of a humble heart.
This is a great list. I’m glad you included Ps. 25:9. When I saw that verse one day and discovered the connection between humility and wisdom I was so excited!
Thank you, Kelly. I love that connection too. It seems like worldly wisdom, in and of itself, is prideful because the focus is on the person with the wisdom. To me, this passage is saying the humble receive God’s wisdom. It comes from Him so the focus is on Him.
“Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way” (Psalm 25:8-9).
Great post with great reminders Sister. Being Humble is so important. I ran a food pantry for 12 years and during that time my goal was always making the people who came for help to feel loved and welcomed and unashamed. Which meant we had to get on their level and treat them with respect. We were there to love them and serve them and show them that we were not better than them. Through these actions came blessings and friendships and the love of Jesus Christ was shown to many. Love the verses you shared as well, thanks and God Bless You and Yours!
Stephen, that’s a perfect example of displaying humility, being on the same level with others in a hardship, and serving out of love…just like Jesus who did not come to be served, but to serve. Matthew 20:28
What a great reminder of the importance of humility! You are right: the Me culture of today definitely struggles with this, so it is even more important than ever to see ourselves as Christ sees us and to clothe ourselves in humility.
I am linking my recent faith-related post, if interested!
Thanks, Elena. I’ll check out your post. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 ESV).
Powerful Bible references, Karen.
Your post reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis on humility:
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
I love that quote as well, Ava. It’s one of the best explanations of biblical humility. Thanks for sharing!
God has been filing away at my pride lately and teaching me his ways of humility. Love this blog; it touched me!
Candice, I like the imagery of the Lord filling away at pride. I need that too!
I struggle with humility, so this timely reminder is perfect for me! My pride usually presents itself in the form of ‘everyone should do what I do because what I do worked for me.’ Yeah. Not very pleasing!
Funny, Anita. Most of us and our flesh can relate to this: “everyone should do what I do because what I do worked for me.” And I would add for me, “It’s the RIGHT way!” Lord, help us be humble like You!
Humility goes against just about everything in our world today. (So often) even our service, ministry and real help are done in the absence of humility. Pride is so easily cloaked in other terms (like self-confidence, life of the party, etc etc) and often applauded. Allowing God to examine our hearts exposes the truth – which can be painful, but so helpful. Was instructed by your post!
Jennifer, you are spot on in even ministry can be done in the absence of humility. That’s why imitating Jesus is the only way to minister to others and in His name. Thanks for adding your insight to our converstation.
[…] month, I shared 7 Biblical Promises for Walking in Humility. Then my blogger friend, Mandy Farmer, invited me to write a guest post on how Christians pursue […]