What Does the Bible Say About Humility — Meaning Explained

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.