“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10 NIV)

What does it mean to humble yourself?

Being humble is not a popular concept in the world we live in. But, God says He will lift you up if you humble yourself before Him. Look at the definition of humble: not proud. Not thinking of yourself as better than other people. Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. Meek, deferential, respectful, submissive.

Humility not humiliation

It’s easy to confuse humility and humiliation. Humility is something we do voluntarily and humiliation is something that is inflicted on us.

Humility is the quality or condition of being humble. Here are some verses that talk about it.

God gives more 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)

It leads to riches, honor and life!

“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” (Prov. 22:4)

It is the opposite of pride

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Prov. 11:2)

Therefore…

“Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves . . . You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to." (Phil. 2:3, 5-6 (NLT)

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 ESV)

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

Quote:

”How does humility happen in your life? It happens by letting Jesus control your thoughts, heart, attitudes, and reactions. Growing in humility has to include Jesus.” - Rick Warren

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“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14 ESV)

“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. (1 John 2:16 ESV)

 What to do:

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” (Matt. 6:5 ESV)

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matt. 6:6 ESV)