Humble and contrite heart

 “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.” (Isa. 66:2 NLT)

There is an old country song by Mac Davis with the lyric, “Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble When you're perfect in every way.”

Although the song was obviously meant to be humorous, it does reflect the modern “me first” culture promoted everywhere across the USA in one form or another to our young people as self-esteem programs. Nowhere can you find anyone talking about the importance of humility. In fact, if you ask young people what it means to be humble and why it even matters, they usually just give a blank stare and don’t have an answer.

Here are definitions

Humble: Not proud or haughty, not arrogant or assertive.

Humility: The state of being humble. Both humility and humble have their origin in the Latin word humilis, meaning “low.” Humility is to be meek, modest, unassuming, unpretentious.

Why humility is important

• God gives grace to the humble

“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6 ESV)

• God restores and revives the humble of spirit

“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble of spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.” (Isa. 57:15)

Therefore

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” (Col. 3:12 ESV)

“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Prov. 15:33 ESV)

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 ESV)

“A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” (Prov. 29:23)

“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” (Prov. 22:4 ESV)

Quote

“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. - Saint Augustine