What Humility Is and Is Not

Graces of the Soul

Humility, according to Unger’s Bible Dictionary, is an inwrought grace of the soul that allows one to think of himself no more highly than he ought to think (Ephesians. 4:1-2; Colossians 3:12-13; Romans 12:3). The exercise of humility is first and foremost toward God (Matthew 11:29; James 1:21).

Humility- not Self-depreciation
Humility requires us to feel that in God’s sight we have no merit and to in honor prefer others to ourselves (Romans 12: 10; Proverbs 15:33.) Humility does not demand undue self-depreciation but rather humbleness of self-estimation and freedom from pride.

What About Our Enemies?
Humility must also be expressed toward those who wrong us, in order that their insults and wrongdoing might be used by God for our benefit (Acts 20:18-21). Humility is commanded by God (Psalms 25:9; Colossians3:12; James 4:6, 10) and is essential to discipleship under Christ (Matthew 18:3-4).