Humility's Role in Balancing Truth and Gentleness in Teaching
Humility is a foundational Christian grace, frequently mentioned in the New Testament as essential for believers [1]. It is a state of mind that is pleasing to God and contributes to inner tranquility and patience during trials [1]. The concept of humility is deeply rooted in the example of Christ himself, who demonstrated it through his incarnation, his subjection to his parents, his poverty, and his service to others, including washing his disciples' feet [2, 3].
In the context of teaching, humility plays a crucial role in balancing the delivery of truth with gentleness. While teachers are called to "teach and exhort" [6], and even to "rebuke with all authority" [8], this must be done with meekness and gentleness [8, 10]. John Chrysostom notes that a strong rebuke, when delivered with gentleness, can be more deeply impactful [8]. This balance is vital because pride, the opposite of humility, is associated with those who "teach otherwise" and are "doting about questions and strifes of words," leading to envy, strife, and evil surmising [6]. Such individuals are described as "knowing nothing" and "destitute of the truth" [6].
Humility allows for growth and learning, as it enables individuals to accept criticism and change their perspectives [4]. Proverbs 18:12 states that "haughtiness cultivates pride. It leads to failure because it does not allow for change in the face of criticism. Humility learns from others and leads to the honor of success" [4]. This suggests that a humble teacher is open to new insights and willing to adapt their understanding, rather than rigidly adhering to their own views out of pride.
The Bible consistently links humility with divine favor and exaltation. God regards the humble [2], hears them [2], and enjoys their presence [2]. Promises are made to the humble, including deliverance, being lifted up, and receiving more grace [1, 2]. Proverbs 15:33 states that "before honor there is humility," a sentiment echoed by Rashi, who explains that humility is the cause of honor [2, 11]. This principle applies to teaching as well; a teacher who approaches their task with humility is more likely to be honored and effective in their communication of truth.
Conversely, a lack of humility can hinder effective teaching and lead to negative outcomes. Those who are proud are described as "knowing nothing" and engaging in "perverse disputings" [6]. This contrasts with the "godliness with contentment" that is considered "great gain" [6]. Humility is also seen as fitting given humanity's fallen state before God's kindness and love intervened [5]. This understanding of one's own spiritual condition should naturally lead to a humble disposition when interacting with others, especially in teaching roles.
The apostle Peter exhorts younger members of the church to "submit yourselves to the elder," emphasizing respect and reverence [7]. This submission is rooted in humility, acknowledging the wisdom and experience of others. The qualities of temperance, patience, and godliness are also closely associated with humility, contributing to a balanced and effective approach to life and teaching [9]. Meekness, described as "humility and lowliness of mind," is a fruit of the Spirit, exemplified by Christ, and involves having a modest self-perception, walking humbly with God, and behaving with humility among people [10]. This spiritual fruit is essential for a teacher to convey truth with gentleness, avoiding arrogance or condescension.
Sources
- 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”
- 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, ”
- 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”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 18:12: 18:12 Haughtiness cultivates pride. It leads to failure because it does not allow for change in the face of criticism. Humility learns from others and leads to the honor of success.”
- 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).”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: Homily XVII. 1 Timothy vi. 2–7 “These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain”
- 1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 5:5: Having settled and explained the duty of the pastors or spiritual guides of the church, the apostle comes now to instruct the flock, I. How to behave themselves to their ministers and to one another. He calls them the younger, as being generally younger than their grave pastors, and to put them in mind of their inferiority, the term younger being used by our Saviour to signify an inferior, Luk 22:26. He exhorts those that are younger and inferior to submit themselves to the elder, to give due respect and reverence to their persons, and to yield to their admonition”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: strive, for the servant of the Lord must keep far from strife, since God is the God of peace, and what should the servant of the God of peace have to do with strife? “But be gentle unto all men.” How is it then he says, “Rebuke with all authority” ( Tit. ii. 15 .); and again, “Let no man despise thy youth” ( 1 Tim. iv. 12 .): and again, “Rebuke them sharply”? ( Tit. i. 13 .) Because this is consistent with meekness. For a strong rebuke, if it be given with gentleness, is most likely to wound deeply: for it is possible, indeed it ”
- 2 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Peter 1:6: Temperance - A proper and limited use of all earthly enjoyments, keeping every sense under proper restraints, and never permitting the animal part to subjugate the rational. Patience - Bearing all trials and difficulties with an even mind, enduring in all, and persevering through all. Godliness - Piety towards God; a deep, reverential, religious fear; not only worshipping God with every becoming outward act, but adoring, loving, and magnifying him in the heart: a disposition indispensably necessary to salvation, but exceedingly rare among professors.”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 5:22: Meekness,.... Humility and lowliness of mind, of which Christ is an eminent example and pattern; and which the Holy Spirit from him transcribes into the heart of a regenerate person; and lies in having mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men. The last of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned is temperance, or "continence"; and designs both chastity and sobriety, and particularly moderation in eating and drinking”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Proverbs 15:33: and before honor there is humility Humility causes honor to come.”