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Humility in Using Biblical Examples for Encouragement

Humility is a core Christian virtue, characterized by a state of mind that is pleasing to God and conducive to spiritual tranquility [2]. It is considered necessary for serving God, as indicated in Micah 6:8 [1]. The Bible presents numerous examples and exhortations regarding humility, often contrasting it with pride and self-exaltation.

The person of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of humility [1, 2]. He declared his own humility in Matthew 11:29, stating, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart" [3]. His humility was demonstrated throughout his earthly life, from his birth in humble circumstances (Luke 2:4-7) to his subjection to his parents (Luke 2:51) and his choice of a modest station in life (Matthew 13:55) [3]. Christ's humility is further seen in his willingness to take on human nature (Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:16), partake in human infirmities (Hebrews 4:15), submit to ordinances like baptism (Matthew 3:13-15), and become a servant (Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:7) [3]. He associated with the despised (Matthew 9:10-11) and even washed his disciples' feet (John 13:5), embodying a servant leadership that refused worldly honors (John 5:41; 6:15) [3]. Paul appeals to the Corinthians "by the humility and gentleness of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:1) [7].

Humility is a characteristic of saints and those regarded by God [1]. The humble are promised God's regard (Psalm 138:6; Isaiah 66:2), their prayers are heard (Psalm 9:12), and they enjoy God's presence (Isaiah 57:15) [1]. God delivers the humble (Job 22:29), lifts them up (James 4:10), and exalts them (Luke 14:11; 18:14) [1]. In Christ's kingdom, the humble are considered the greatest (Matthew 18:4; 20:26-28) and receive more grace (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6) [1]. Proverbs 15:33 states that "humility comes before honor" [1].

The importance of humility is often highlighted in contrast to sin and pride. All human beings are born with a sinful nature [9], and deliberate sins are often committed with an insolent or arrogant attitude, representing rebellion against God [11]. Paul emphasizes the universal sinfulness of humanity, stating that both Gentiles and Jews are "under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own" (Romans 1:18–3:20) [12]. This understanding of humanity's fallen state underscores the fittingness of humility [8]. The first sin, for instance, is described not merely as eating forbidden fruit, but as a "love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters—a preference of the creature to the Creator" [10]. To deny one's sin is to make God a liar [13].

Humility is closely linked with other Christian virtues such as mercy and liberality. Christians are enjoined to show mercy, following God's example (Luke 6:36) [4]. This mercy should be shown cheerfully (Romans 12:8) to brethren, those in distress, the poor, backsliders, and even animals and enemies [4]. Liberality, or generosity, is also pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:16) and was exemplified by Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9) [6]. It should be exercised in service to God, toward saints, servants, the poor, strangers, and all people [6]. However, liberality without love is unprofitable (1 Corinthians 13:3) [6].

The concept of humility is a "great paradox" in Christian thought [2]. It is a state of mind that preserves tranquility and fosters patience under trials [2]. The greatest promises are made to the humble (Psalm 147:6; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2; 1 Peter 5:5) [2]. God takes joy in his people's meekness (Psalm 149:4) [5]. This joy leads God to prosper them, do them good, deliver them, comfort them, and give them their inheritance [5]. The psalmist, as an example to Christians, concludes a psalm with joy and praise, finding acceptance with God through thankfulness [14]. Christians are called to unity and love, purity and holiness, which are fostered by humility [15].

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
  2. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Mercy — After the example of God -- Lu 6:36. Enjoined -- 2Ki 6:21-23; Ho 12:6; Ro 12:20,21; Col 3:12. To be engraved on the heart -- Pr 3:3. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 37:26; Isa 57:1. Should be shown With cheerfulness. -- Ro 12:8. To our brethren. -- Zec 7:9. to those that are in distress. -- Lu 10:37. To the poor. -- Pr 14:31; Da 4:27. To backsliders. -- Lu 15:18-20; 2Co 2:6-8. To animals. -- Pr 12:10. Upholds the throne of kings -- Pr 20:28. Beneficial to those who exercise -- Pr 11:17. Blessedness of showing -- Pr 14:21; Mt 5:7. Hypocrites devoid of -- Mt 23:”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Joy of God Over His People, The — Greatness of, described -- Zep 3:17. On account of their Repentance. -- Lu 15:7,10. Faith. -- Heb 11:5,6. Fear of him. -- Ps 147:11. Praying to him. -- Pr 15:8. Hope in his mercy. -- Ps 147:11. Meekness. -- Ps 149:4. Uprightness. -- 1Ch 29:17; Pr 11:20. Leads to him Prosper them. -- De 30:9. Do them good. -- De 28:63; Jer 32:41. Deliver them. -- 2Sa 22:20. Comfort them. -- Isa 65:19. Give them the inheritance. -- Nu 14:8. Illustrated -- Isa 62:5; Lu 15:23,24. Exemplified Solomon. -- 1Ki 10:9.”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
  7. II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:1 (LEB) — Now I, Paul, appeal to you myself by the humility and gentleness of Christ, who ⌞when I am present in person⌟ am humble among you, but when I am absent am bold toward you—”
  8. Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:3: 3:3 Humility (3:2) is fitting, considering our state when God’s kindness and love came to us (3:4; see Eph 2:1-4; 5:8; Col 3:7; 1 Pet 4:3).”
  9. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
  10. Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
  11. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
  12. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
  13. 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”
  14. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 69:30: The psalmist here, both as a type of Christ and as an example to Christians, concludes a psalm with holy joy and praise which he began with complaints and remonstrances of his griefs. I. He resolves to praise God himself, not doubting but that therein he should be accepted of him (Psa 69:30, Psa 69:31): "I will praise the name of God, not only with my heart, but with my song, and magnify him with thanksgiving;" for he is pleased to reckon himself magnified by the thankful praises of his people. It is intimated that all Christians ought to glorify God with their p”
  15. Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 4:2: Here the apostle proceeds to more particular exhortations. Two he enlarges upon in this chapter: - To unity an love, purity and holiness, which Christians should very much study. We do not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called if we be not faithful friends to all Christians, and sworn enemies to all sin. This section contains the exhortation to mutual love, unity, and concord, with the proper means and motives to promote them. Nothing is pressed upon us more earnestly in the scriptures than this. Love is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of h”
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