Humility is a common subject in the Bible. There are hundreds of verses that talk of it. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines humility as “the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people.” Philippians 2:3 defines humility perfectly, as well, but more on that one later! Although not a fruit of the spirit, being humble is a trait Christians are called to have.
Divided into four categories, we’ve listed 25 Bible verses about humility for you to preach about whenever your church needs comfort, motivation, or simply a reminder from The Word of God.
Dangers of Pride
The Bible adamantly warns us of the pitfalls of pride. It is very clear that pride and arrogance, the opposites of humility, jeopardize your calling and the possibility to have God work on your behalf.
- Proverbs 11:2: When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. MEV
- James 4:6: Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” NIV
- Proverbs 29:23: A person’s pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor. HSCB
- Proverbs 18:12: Proud people will be ruined, but the humble will be honored. NCV
Proverbs 3:34: He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. NIV
Humble Lifestyle
God’s Word speaks directly on a humble lifestyle in several verses. A life devoid of pride will fill itself with a humble approach. You will then make decisions according to the value and principles of humility.
- 1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. NIV
- James 3:13: If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. NLT
- Colossians 3:12: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. NIV
- Micah 6:8: The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern and humbly obey your God.” CEV
- Proverbs 27:2: Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth, an outsider, and not your own lips. NIV
- Mark 9:35: He sat down and called the twelve. And He said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” MEV
Humility Towards People
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less,” as C.S. Lewis so well defined. It is the glue of deep, growing, and healthy relationships.
- Philippians 2:3: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. NIV
- Romans 12:16: Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. NIV
- 1 Peter 5:5: All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” NIV
- Psalm 25:9: You lead humble people to do what is right and to stay on your path. CEV
Rewards of Humility
Finally, the Bible teaches that living humbly, forsaking arrogance and pride, will bring rewards.
- Psalm 149:4: For the Lord takes delight in his people. He crowns the humble with victory. NIV
- James 4:10: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. NIV
- 2 Chronicles 7:14: Then if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek me and stop their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land. NCV
- Proverbs 15:33: Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. NIV
- 1 Samuel 2:7: The Lord sends poverty and wealth. He humbles and he exalts. NIV
- Luke 14:11: For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. NIV
- Proverbs 22:4: True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. NIV
- 2 Samuel 22:28: You rescue the humble, but your eyes watch the proud and humiliate them. NLT
- Isaiah 66:2: “For My hand made all these things, thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord. “But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” NASB
During challenging times, Scripture is where Believers want to turn to; it’s the best place for us to turn. But when we’re in the midst of the mundane, away from our Bibles, we have to rely on what we can remember about what God’s Word says. Storing up Scripture in our memories is a great tool and defense when life gets hard. Although memorizing may seem daunting, starting small and choosing short verses first can be a great starting point. Writing down the verse you’re focusing on can be an effective strategy.
We will all face trials of many kinds, but Scripture tells us to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-8 NIV)
