“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit therefore to God” (James 4:6).
“Clothe yourself with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (I Peter 5:5).
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time….” (5:6).
A Facebook friend said, “I’m very proud of my humility.”
I think he was teasing.
Humility is not a subject most of us would claim to know much about. In fact, we would shy away from anyone claiming to be humble. The very claim contradicts itself.
In fact, a truly humble person would probably be the last to know it. So, when told that “You are a genuinely humble person,” the appropriate response might be something like “Who, me? I wish!”
Now, there are few traits more attractive in a leader than humility. The Lord of Heaven and earth stooped to wash the feet of His disciples, in so doing forever disallowing His preachers from playing the royalty card (John 13). “The Son of Man did not come to be ministered unto,” He said, “but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
Biblically. Anecdotally. And personally. The evidences of a truly humble person are no secret.
Seven traits of a humble person….
One. An overwhelming sense of the blessings of God. His generosity. His grace. “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for HIs wonderful works to the children of men!” (That praise eruption of praise comes from Psalm 107 where it is repeated in verses 8, 15, 21, and 31.)
God is so good to me. Far better than I deserve. “I feel like I’m God’s favorite child,” a friend says. “My cup runneth over,” said King David (Psalm 23:5).
Words you will hear a lot from the truly humble: “Thank you!”