What Does the Bible Say About Humility?
What Does the Bible Say About Humility? God exalts the humble and resists the proud — humility is central to the Christian life and modeled perfectly by Jesus.
Key verse: James 4:6 (KJV)
God exalts the humble and resists the proud — humility is central to the Christian life and modeled perfectly by Jesus.
God exalts the humble and resists the proud — humility is central to the Christian life and modeled perfectly by Jesus.
"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." — James 4:6 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 both declare, 'God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.' Philippians 2:3-8 presents Jesus as the supreme example of humility — though He was God, He 'made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.' Proverbs 22:4 says, 'By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.' Jesus taught, 'Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted' (Matthew 23:12). Micah 6:8 lists walking humbly with God among God's core requirements. Humility isn't thinking less of yourself — it's thinking of yourself less. It enables teachability, genuine service, and dependence on God rather than self. C.S. Lewis noted that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Pride?
What the Bible teaches about pride, arrogance, and the importance of humility.
Key Scripture References
"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant."
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Pride?
The Bible warns that pride is the root of many sins, leading to destruction and separation from God, while humility is the path to grace and honor.
What Does the Bible Say About Meekness?
Biblical meekness is strength under control — not weakness but power surrendered to God's will.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Micah 6:8 — Meaning & Devotional
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Prayer for Humility Before God
Decreasing so Christ may increase.
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside James. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read James on day 318 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Humility?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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