10 Jan 2026 4 min read Warrior of Christ

What Does the Bible Say About Humbleness (Humility)?

Humility—or "humbleness"—is one of the most cherished virtues in Scripture.

Humility—or "humbleness"—is one of the most cherished virtues in Scripture. The Bible contrasts it sharply with pride, portraying humility as the pathway to wisdom, honor, God's favor, and true greatness. Far from weakness, biblical humility involves a right view of ourselves before a holy God: recognizing our dependence on Him, esteeming others, and imitating Christ's servant-hearted attitude.

God actively opposes pride but pours grace on the humble (James 4:6). Throughout both Old and New Testaments, humility is presented as essential for spiritual growth, healthy relationships, and receiving God's blessings. In this blog post, we'll explore key passages using the King James Version (KJV) and New International Version (NIV), highlighting how Scripture calls us to live humbly.

The Foundation: Humility Before God and Others

A foundational verse summarizes the rewards of humility:

Proverbs 22:4 (KJV): By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Proverbs 22:4 (NIV): Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.

This proverb links humility with reverence for God, promising not material wealth alone but true, lasting blessing.

Humility vs. Pride: Wisdom and Consequences

Scripture repeatedly warns that pride leads to downfall, while humility brings wisdom and honor.

Proverbs 11:2 (KJV): When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 (NIV): When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 16:18 (KJV): Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18 (NIV): Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
James 4:6 (KJV): But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
James 4:6 (NIV): But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

These verses show a clear principle: God actively resists pride but extends grace to those who humble themselves.

The Call to Humble Ourselves

The Bible urges believers to actively choose humility, with the promise of exaltation from God.

James 4:10 (KJV): Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
James 4:10 (NIV): Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
1 Peter 5:5-6 (KJV): Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV): In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

"Clothe yourselves with humility" paints a vivid picture—humility is something we deliberately put on daily.

Jesus' Example: The Ultimate Model of Humility

Jesus Himself is the supreme example of humility.

Philippians 2:3-8 (NIV): Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

(For KJV, the passage is similar, using "lowliness of mind" and "made himself of no reputation.")

Jesus calls us to learn from Him directly:

Matthew 11:29 (KJV): Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:29 (NIV): Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Humility in Relationships and Greatness

Jesus teaches that true greatness comes through humble service.

Matthew 23:12 (KJV): And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Matthew 23:12 (NIV): For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

(Parallel in Luke 14:11)

Colossians 3:12 (KJV): Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.
Colossians 3:12 (NIV): Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Ephesians 4:2 (KJV): With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 (NIV): Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Conclusion: Embracing Humility Today

The Bible is unequivocal: God values humility deeply. It opens the door to His grace, wisdom, honor, and exaltation—while pride leads to resistance, shame, and downfall. Jesus, the King of kings, modeled perfect humility by becoming a servant and dying for us.

In a world that often celebrates self-promotion, Scripture invites us to the counter-cultural path of humbleness: esteeming others, serving quietly, and submitting to God. As we humble ourselves before Him, He promises to lift us up in His perfect timing.

Which of these verses speaks most to you today? How can you practice humility in your relationships or before God this week? Share in the comments—I'd love to hear your thoughts!