humble oneself, and what is a humble person like?

Question: What does it mean to humble oneself, and what is a humble person like?

Answer: To humble oneself means “to bring down” one’s pride or status. A person who has humbled themselves is said to be “brought low.” Biblically, humility is the act of recognizing one’s true position before God, not exalting oneself but instead submitting in reverence and dependence.

The Bible clearly teaches that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This theme is central in Scripture, showing that those who elevate themselves will be brought low, while those who lower themselves in humility will be lifted up by God.

Matthew 23:11-12 (NIV):

“The greatest among you will be your servant.
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

This passage is part of Jesus’ teaching on true greatness in the kingdom of God where greatness is defined by servant leadership rather than prideful authority.

Job 40:11 (NIV):

“Let your anger fall on the proud and bring the wicked to their knees.”

Here, God challenges Job, emphasizing that the proud and wicked face God’s judgment and humbling hand.

Psalm 75:7 (NIV):

“It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”

This verse highlights God’s sovereign authority to raise or humble individuals according to His divine wisdom and justice.

For additional insight, consider:Psalm 107:39 (NIV): “Then he humbled their hearts with hardship; they fell down, and there was no one to help.”This shows how God may allow difficulties to humble the proud.Philippians 4:12 (NIV): “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…”Paul here expresses humility and contentment regardless of circumstances.

Therefore, we are called to humble ourselves before God and others, trusting that He will exalt us in His perfect timing. God resists the proud but shows favor to the humble (James 4:6).

Luke 18:9-14 (NIV):

“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:
‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people robbers, evildoers, adulterers or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”’

This parable illustrates the difference between self-righteous pride and humble repentance before God. True justification comes from humility and recognition of one’s need for God’s mercy.

Be blessed.

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