Biblical Answer

The Value of Humility in the Face of Pride and Success

Humility is a crucial virtue that we must cultivate in our lives, especially when we face pride and success. Pride is an exalted, inflated opinion of oneself, which is a lie; humility takes a realistic picture of oneself, recognizing strengths and weaknesses. According to the Bible, God himself is the example of humility, taking a realistic assessment of who he is and what he can do (Isaiah 6:5). When we are proud, we tend to think highly of ourselves, which can lead us to become arrogant and self-sufficient. However, humility reflects a commitment to embracing truth wherever it leads, including adjusting our theological understanding or refining our moral judgments (Proverbs 22:4).

In contrast, pride can masquerade as humility. Self-denigration may sound like humility, but it can be an excuse not to live up to the implications of knowing a certain truth. For instance, knowing that we are sinners and need God's forgiveness can imply responsibility to live a life that reflects our faith. If we consistently accept God's evaluation of ourselves and rely on God's resources, we will be humble. On the other hand, if we are arrogant and self-sufficient, we will struggle with pride. As Andrew Murray points out, human humility is grounded in our existence as creatures, and we are beholden to our Creator for every aspect of our lives (Psalm 119:73).

The value of humility in the face of pride and success lies in its ability to help us maintain a healthy perspective on ourselves and our accomplishments. When we are humble, we recognize that our successes are not solely due to our own efforts, but also to God's grace and providence. We are thankful for what we have and give credit to God for our blessings. Humility also enables us to receive correction and feedback from others, which is essential for growth and improvement. In contrast, pride can make us defensive and resistant to feedback, leading to stagnation and spiritual bankruptcy. Therefore, we must cultivate humility in our lives, acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, and relying on God's resources to navigate the challenges of pride and success. (Matthew 5:3)