Hey, I’m glad you’re here! Today I want to share an awesome devotional on humility in the Bible and today. It’s a combination of contemporary Christian fiction and a devotional inspired by First Corinthians 13. Because the essence of the ‘love chapter’ really is humility, isn’t it?

The power of humility is in its putting others first, and trusting God with the outcome. When you read the Bible, you get to see some of the most average people doing remarkable things.

Think about Nehemiah. As cupbearer, what possible expertise, or responsibility, did he have for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem? And he didn’t demand anything, but when the king noticed his state of mind, and asked, he humbly asked for the moon, or its equivalent. And he wasn’t arrogant with his enemies either. He just kept on track.

And Mordecai. He wasn’t anyone special apart from being Esther’s cousin in that moment. But his true humility placed him in a position to be Xerxes’ right-hand man, and do things that would help not only the Jews, but the whole nation.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may make a small commission. I only recommend books and resources that I’ve enjoyed personally, or believe that you would like. You can read my full disclosure here. You will also find information on Scripture translations there.

What Does The Bible Say About Humility?

The Bible has a lot to say on many topics. And it isn’t always fun to hear. But it is all useful and meant to help us. So, what does the Bible say about humility? Is it possible for us to grasp this concept and live it out?

Before we dive too deep, I want to give you a few ideas to consider. Do we have to win a particular argument or battle? I think it takes humility and discernment to be able to determine which ones must be fought out (humbly), and which ones to let go.

Because the Bible stories about humility demonstrate that it was sometimes stepping aside, but often it was someone, without pride, acting decisively to prevent something bad. It was all in the attitude they held as they acted, that made the difference.

The same is true for us today.

Definition of Humility in the Bible

If we are going to talk about being humble, we should start with a solid definition of Biblical humility. What is humility? According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, humility means:

1. freedom from pride or arrogance
2. the quality or state of being humble (deference)

  Basically, not considering yourself “too important” to:

• get involved and help others
• Do ‘servants work’
• Step out of your comfort zone for someone else’s benefit
• Ask for help
• Trust God

  Sounds simple enough, right? (ahem..famous last words, anyone?)  

3 Verses About Humility in the Bible

Now for some Bible reading. Let’s consider that definition of humility with a few verses.

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5.5b ESV

This Bible verse about humility doesn’t single out a particular group that needs to act with humility, because we’re all to choose humility towards one another, men AND women, husbands AND wives, rich AND poor, insert your own contrast here…

And did you see that last part? God gives grace to the humble. Do you realize that Grace is God’s favor and assistance?

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 15.33 ESV

If your goal is honor, which is a good thing, then humility must come first. otherwise, pride and temptation will destroy what’s been built!

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6.8 ESV

He doesn’t expect the moon from us, He already did that. He asks us to do justice (not revenge), to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.

It may not be easy, but God promised to be with us and guide us. to strengthen us.

Truly Humble, or Full of Pride?

The opposite of being gentle and humble is to live as a prideful person. full of selfish ambition and conceit.

If you exalt yourself, looking for attention and recognition, credit for your good deeds, then you damage your relationship with God and wind up weary and burdened. The weight of trying to be perfect and worthy of attention is not something we were meant to bear.

But there’s a gift from God, that makes all the difference! We can’t always tell from the outside, what motivates someone’s actions, but God looks at the heart. God values the attitude behind the actions, more than the deeds.

The Essence of Humility in the Bible and Today

Another great tour from Celebrate Lit, Essence of Humility is an interesting read. Filled with stories about humility from the Bible, as well as present-day examples, Humility takes shape in a way we can choose to follow.  

• The simple but sometimes uncomfortable acts of kindness…  
• Resting in faith instead of dwelling on the hazards around you…
• Waiting for an honorable spouse, even if they aren’t the youngest, most fit, fun and socially acceptable individual you could catch…  

Aromas in the Bible have more significance and meaning than the average 21st century Christian understands. The author has done her research well, and has paired essences we are familiar with, with both modern and biblical examples that will help you grasp the true essence of humility all over again.  

I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as The Essence of Joy, a prior devotional in the series, I’m guessing because I need more work in the area of humility than I do for joy!    

Because of my reaction, I recommend this book to anyone who cares about how well they are loving those around them. In action, not just words.  

Stories of Humility in the Bible

There are so many great stories about humility in the Scripture, and The Essence of Humility covers several. There are obvious ones like Ruth and Naomi, and Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.   Then there are other Bible stories, like the mom who had to choose between letting another woman steal her infant, and having the baby cut in half with a sword. As I sit here and rock my baby, I can’t even imagine! I doubt she was thinking “what is humility going to do here?” But she had a humble heart, and love, and has been remembered for around 3,000 years now!  

*if you want a great kids version of this particular story, see the “Untold Stories” book here.

Examples of Humility in the Bible

Did you ever consider pruning as one of the examples of having a spirit of humility? Well, I hadn’t, really. But it takes humility to accept pruning, and benefit from it.   This book has helped me connect the dots here. I have been in a season of pruning for a few years, without realizing it. I have run to God about my problems, and done what I could (or thought I should) to sort it out, and make improvements.  

Figuring out that wasn’t the answer, and taking the time to be still, and know that I am God, has brought me to a turning point. The chapter on the grapevine Essence is remarkable!   Or another one highlighted here, is the chapter on Coriander, where the Israelites had to be taught humility with the Manna.  

More Devotionals You May Enjoy

• 40+ Short Inspirational Devotions for Everyone
• But God: Choosing Faith Over Fear
• 21 Days of Joy A Devotional for Mothers
• The Best Devotionals for Women Who Love Christian Fiction

The Humility Devotional

Title: The Essence of Humility

Author: Lynn U. Watson

Release date: January, 2019

We live in a culture overwhelmed with disrespect, egos, entitlement, rudeness, and offense — lives focused on self, rather than God or others.

The Bible defines love in 1 Corinthians 13. Every descriptive word included in the list whispers humility.

• Patience — humility
• Kindness — humility
• Not rude — humility
• Not arrogant — humility
• Rejoices in truth — humility
• No envious or boastful — humility
• Not irritable — humility
• Keeps no record of wrong — humility

Jesus entered our world and walked among us. He placed no importance on rank or position. Jesus’ life reflected love because it reflected humility, and He invites us to live and love like Him.

Journey with our hostess, Cinnamah-Brosia, and her friends at The Coffee Cottage. They lead us on a journey to meet real-life people — our contemporaries and those on the pages of God’s word, who encountered the same real-life challenges you and I face each day. Learn the blessings of a life lived like Jesus lived —- with love and humility.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Checking Out These Stories of Humility in the Bible

Tell me, Are you ready to learn more about humility up close and personal? Because if you take the time to read this devotional on humility, you won’t be able to keep from examining yourself and having a few aha moments!

Whether you talk your library into snagging a copy of this book for you to check out, or get your own, I hope you’ll give this one a try, because we could all stand a little more humility, before we end up humiliated, right?

Until Next Time, Love God, Love Books, Shine The Light!!