What does the bible say about humility?
Deuteronomy 8:2 records the following:
“You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.”
There are many parallels between the children of Israel and students today. Have you ever said these words, “God, if you get me out of this one last time I promise I will serve you”? You must have said those words because I’ve said them…plenty of times!
The children of Israel were brought out of the land of Egypt where they were treated as slaves. God promised them a land flowing with milk and honey. All they had to do was serve Him! God has promised us, his children, many awesome wonders as well, but have we humbled ourselves so that we can receive what He has for us?
Continuing on in the story in Deuteronomy 8 it talks about how the Lord fed and clothed the children of Israel, but all the while they mumbled, moaned, groaned and complained. They even turned their backs on God and served idols! Nobody likes going through tests and trials, but should we ever moan and groan? What type of attitude should we have towards trials? A spirit of humility will ALWAYS set us in the right direction. Here is why:
II Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Psalm 35:13 (KJV)
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
Proverbs 16:19 (KJV)
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 29:23 (KJV)
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble spirit.
Matthew 18:4 (KJV)
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 23:12 (KJV)
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Obviously, Jesus himself is the supreme example of humility:
Philippians 2:8 (KJV)
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
James 4:10 (KJV)
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
I Peter 5:6 (KJV)
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…
Do you feel that you’ve been treated unjustly by one of your instructors or professors? The best way to rectify the situation is through humility. Do you feel that your parents don’t understand you, and never will? Humble yourself and the Lord will lift you up!
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Kari L. Brown offers coaching and mentoring to high school and college students struggling with succeeding academically and maintaining a healthy relationship with God. For more information visit www.karilbrown.com.
