What’s so great about humility? Surely, there are virtues which are more fun to get. So, what makes humility worth cultivating?
Here are a few reasons to get humble:
#1 – God shows grace to humble people.
James 4:6 tells us that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Pride puts us in a place where we cut ourselves off from God’s grace. But humility puts us in a position of needing God and receiving grace from Him.
Forgiveness of our sin is an act of grace. But there is no forgiveness for the proud. When you’re proud before God, then you aren’t humble enough to ask for grace—or to even see your need for it. God doesn’t force the gift of salvation on anyone. We humble ourselves to receive the grace we so badly need.
#2 – God gives victory to humble people.
Psalm 149:4 says, “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” Remember that God wins. God is a winner. His followers are on the winning team. If you humble yourself before God, you may take some losses along the way, but you’ll end up with a crown from the Lord.
#3 – God hears humble people.
The prophet Daniel received an answer to his prayers. What’s fascinating is the reason God sent Daniel an answer. Here is what the angelical messenger said: “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them” (Daniel 10:12).
There is something about humility that gets the attention of God. The response may not be immediate, but we can be confident that God hears us when we approach him in humility.
#4 – Humble people are able to build healthy one-another relationships.
Pride leads to conflict (Proverbs 13:10). We as Christians are invited to have the mind of Christ, who humbled Himself, looked out for the interests of others, and served them (Philippians 2:3-8). When we put aside selfish ambition and embrace humility, we are able to “be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).
It is good to be reminded that humility is one of the chief characteristics of Christ. Therefore, humility should be one of the chief characteristics of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Even though we are human and can struggle with pride, we ought to strive for humility, such that “prideful Christian” becomes an oxymoron. Any two humble Christians can make a marriage work. Humility can make friendships work. It can even turn rivalries into friendships.
#5 – Humble people receive blessings.
According to Proverbs 22:4, “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” Now, this is a general principle, not a direct promise. There are poor humble people and rich prideful people. But there is a good chance that humility will result in these kinds of blessings. You have a better chance to have lasting riches—for example, to be honorable—and to enjoy a long life if you choose to be humble.
And here’s why humble people get so many blessings: it’s because humble people gain wisdom.
#6 – Humble people gain wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” And wisdom is a gateway to blessings upon blessings. In closing, take a look at all the blessings that come from having wisdom. Proverbs 3:13-18 says,
Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.
