Biblical Answer

Humility is a vital virtue in the face of pride and success. According to Scripture, pride is a lie that distorts reality, leading us to adopt an inflated view of ourselves (Proverbs 16:18). In contrast, humility takes a realistic picture of ourselves, recognizing our strengths and weaknesses (Proverbs 22:4). As Andrew Murray notes, human humility is grounded in our existence as creatures, and we are beholden to our Creator for everything (Psalm 100:5).

Humility is not about thinking we are no good, but rather about acknowledging our spiritual and moral bankruptcy and relying on God's resources (Matthew 5:3). It is not about self-denigration, but about accepting God's evaluation of us and recognizing our dependence on Him. In fact, humility can become a cloak behind which people hide their apathy, rather than a genuine commitment to truth and dependence on God (2 Timothy 3:5). As Jesus demonstrated, humility is the Christlike attitude towards oneself, characterized by a readiness to forgo one's own rights and interests (Philippians 2:5-11).

In the face of pride and success, humility is essential for maintaining a right relationship with God and others. When we are proud, we are more likely to become arrogant and self-reliant, rather than dependent on God (Proverbs 28:26). Humility, on the other hand, allows us to acknowledge our limitations and weaknesses, and to rely on God's strength and wisdom (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). As we cultivate humility, we will be more likely to exhibit a Christlike attitude, characterized by a willingness to serve others and to sacrifice our own interests for the sake of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Ultimately, humility is not a weakness, but a strength that allows us to live a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others.