Biblical Answer

Humility is a virtue that is often misunderstood. Some people may think that humility is thinking poorly of oneself, but this is not the case. True humility is having a realistic picture of oneself, recognizing both strengths and weaknesses. It is not about being self-effacing or lacking self-esteem, but rather about having a proper handle on reality. As the Bible says, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Humility is not about being weak or timid, but rather about being strong and courageous in one's faith.

Humility is closely tied to the concept of pride. Pride is an inflated view of oneself, often accompanied by a lack of dependence on God. When we are proud, we tend to think that we can handle things on our own, without God's help. But this is a lie, and it leads to destruction. True humility, on the other hand, involves recognizing our dependence on God and being thankful for his grace. It is not about being ashamed of ourselves, but rather about being grateful for who we are in Christ. As the Bible says, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble" (James 4:6).

In the face of pride and success, humility is essential. When we are proud, we tend to think that we are the ones who are in control, rather than God. But true humility recognizes that we are not in control, and that God is the one who is sovereign. This means that we must be willing to let go of our pride and our desire for control, and instead, trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. As the Bible says, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). This means that we must be willing to go through difficult times, and to trust in God's goodness, even when things are not going well. By doing so, we will be able to experience the joy and peace that comes from living a life of humility.