25 Best Bible Verses About Humility
Pride is an abomination to God. In fact, He resists it and will only show mercy to those who are humble. We see Him do just that in several Bible verses about humility both in the Old Testament and the New.
If anything, you don’t want God resisting you and withdrawing His grace from you. Looking at Jesus’s life on earth, we see a true example of humility and obedience to God. But in the modern world that prioritizes self, how can we truly be humble?
The Bible — our guidebook for Christian living — has many verses describing a humble believer and how to cultivate this godly trait. Let us look at some of these scriptures on humility and learn how to keep all semblance of pride aside. As we submit ourselves to God in humility, we follow in the footsteps of Christ.
Scriptures on Humility Towards God
Humility towards God is vital to knowing Him and enjoying the provisions of His love in our affairs. Here are some Bible verses on humility that portray its manifold relevance to our Christian walk as believers:
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)
He also spoke this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unrighteous, 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 away, wouldn’t 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 he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase. (Daniel 4:37)
He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?” But they were silent, for they had disputed with one another on the way about who was the greatest. He sat down, and called the twelve; and he said to them, “If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” (Mark 9:33-35)
“For my hand has made all these things, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but I will look to this man, even to he who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2)
Bible Verses on Humility Towards Others
God doesn’t just want you to be humble towards Him; He strongly desires that you extend the same gesture to everyone else, believer or not. You will find this instructed and practiced in the following scriptures on humbleness:
Make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:2-7)
Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. (Colossians 3:12-13)
Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
He spoke a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the best seats, and said to them, “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the best seat, since perhaps someone more honorable than you might be invited by him, and he who invited both of you would come and tell you, ‘Make room for this person.’ Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may tell you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:7-11)
Biblical Examples of Humility
One way to prepare your heart to obey God on a matter is to read about people who have done the same. Read these examples of meekness in the following scriptures on humility. They will inspire you to be humble in your relationship with God and fellow man.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name. (Philippians 2:8-9)
Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all the men who were on the surface of the earth. (Numbers 12:3)
He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he didn’t open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he didn’t open his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)
Now Hannah spoke in her heart. Only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Get rid of your wine!” Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have not been drinking wine or strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Yahweh. Don’t consider your servant a wicked woman; for I have been speaking out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.” (1 Samuel 1:13-17)
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came from God, and was going to God, arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:3-5)
Benefits of Humility
Every time we live humbly towards God and those around us, we allow ourselves to enjoy a mighty supply of God’s grace and mercy. See what these humility Bible verses say about the blessedness of living a life of genuine humility:
The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life. (Proverbs 22:4)
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:5-6)
For Yahweh takes pleasure in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation. (Psalm 149:4)
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you. (James 4:10)
When Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. Yahweh’s word came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “See how Ahab humbles himself before me? Because he humbles himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days; but I will bring the evil on his house in his son’s day.” (1 Kings 21:27-29)
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Good and upright is Yahweh, therefore he will instruct sinners in the way. He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way. (Psalm 25:8-9)
When he humbled himself, Yahweh’s wrath turned from him, so as not to destroy him altogether. Moreover, there were good things found in Judah. (2 Chronicles 12:12)
He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly. (Luke 1:52)
Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that Yahweh’s wrath didn’t come on them in the days of Hezekiah. Hezekiah had exceedingly much riches and honor. He provided himself with treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of valuable vessels;. (2 Chronicles 32:26-27)
Christian Quotes on Humility
Humility of heart is the first step to salvation. — Zac Poonen
For the Christian, humility is absolutely indispensable. Without it there can be no self-knowledge, no repentance, no faith and no salvation. — Aiden Wilson Tozer
As long as you are proud, you cannot know God. — C. S. Lewis
God cannot fix whoever is first not broken. — Jack Wellman
Humility and patience are the surest proofs of the increase of love. — John Wesley
True humility is able to look at God and proceed on. — Watchman Nee
Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility. — Jonathan Edwards
They that know God will be humble, and they that know themselves, cannot be proud. — John Flavel
Either humble yourself or God may have to do it for you. — Jack Wellman
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. — C. S. Lewis
Embracing the Spirit of Humility
Pride soothes egos and gives some temporal sensual satisfaction, but it steals more than it gives in the long run. The sin of pride will rob you of the sweet companionship God intends that you enjoy in your relationship with loved ones and other people He has placed in your circle.
That’s honestly not something any believer should desire. Another harsh consequence of pride that God’s Word highlights is that it blocks God’s supply of grace and love.
A Bible verse about humility clearly states that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. You can only imagine what life will look like when God resists a man. Nothing is perhaps more dangerous than God turning His back on a man.
When God is against you, nothing will work, no matter how hard you try. That is how dangerous pride can be.
Let’s strive, by the grace of God, to steer clear of every semblance of pride and embrace the spirit of humility.
The world may view humility as foolishness, but it is God’s wisdom for enjoying a life of peace, joy, and fulfillment. The Lord Jesus Christ left us that example of godly humility in the Bible, and we are to follow in His step.
For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, who didn’t sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.” When he was cursed, he didn’t curse back. When he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously. (1 Peter 2:21-23)
Imbibe a humble attitude in your relationship with God. Do the same in your interactions with the people around you, believer or not.
Humility attracts God’s blessings and grace, but pride attracts nothing but the opposition of God. In the battle of ego, the winner loses. There’s no better time to act on God’s Word than immediately after you hear it. So, start renewing your mind with a scripture on humility each day. As you face various circumstances, the scriptures will prepare your heart to walk in humility whenever the need arises.
