In the course of my Bible reading lately I’ve been reminded that more than once the Scriptures emphasize the same theme: God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. This same message shows up in the following three passages:

The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. ³⁴ He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. (Proverbs 3:33-34)

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Sensing that the Spirit may have brought this reminder to me for a reason, I made the matter the focus of some more research. Here’s what I discovered:

First, it’s not just the verses cited above that emphasize God’s gracious posture toward the humble; in various passages the Bible refers to “the humble” as a category of people especially dear to and blessed by God!

You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. (2 Samuel 22:28)

You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. (Psalms 18:27)

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. (Psalms 25:9)

The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. (Psalms 147:6)

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. (Psalms 149:4)

Second, it appears that sometimes a person’s humility stems from their material poverty; in other words, there’s nothing like having to pray in one’s daily bread to make one a humble, praying person!

A passage in the Old Testament that reflects this idea is:

In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. ¹⁹ Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. ²⁰ The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down– ²¹ those who with a word make a man out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice. (Isaiah 29:18-21)

Here’s a classic passage from the New Testament that likewise echoes this theme:

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord ⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ⁴⁸ for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, ⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me– holy is his name. ⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. ⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. ⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. ⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. ⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful ⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” (Luke 1:46-55)

Third, on the other hand, the Bible contains many passages that exhort its readers, regardless of their social circumstances, to humble themselves … before God and one another!

Here are some passages from both Testaments that in one way or another encourage us to humble ourselves before God:

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me. (Exodus 10:3)

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. (Daniel 10:12)

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zephaniah 2:3)

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)

Here are some passages from both Testaments that in one way or another encourage us to humble ourselves before one another:

My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, ² if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, ³ then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! ⁴ Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. ⁵ Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. (Proverbs 6:1-5)

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. (Titus 3:1-2)

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)

Finally, we should take note of how the Book of Proverbs, in particular, repeatedly underscores the relationship between the virtue of humility (before God and others) and the experience of such things as wisdom, honor and wealth!

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (Proverbs 15:33)

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. (Proverbs 18:12)

Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4)

So, what do we do with all this research? Well, I guess that’s up to each one of us. As for me, I’m going to assume that the Lord is speaking to me in a personal way about the need to humble myself before him and others.

To be even more specific, I’m sensing the need to adopt what I’m going to refer to as the “humility paradigm.” This is a particular way of seeing the world and my place in it. It’s a biblically informed life-perspective that is calling for me to “get over myself” and to do my best to approach this day (and every day) remembering that:

• since there’s no possible way for me to live a truly effective, Christ-honoring life without his gracious empowerment, I need to maintain a prayerful, worshipful attitude all day long;
• since it’s not all about me I need to take the time to truly “see,” listen to, and, hopefully, encourage the people God has me interact with today;
• since God in his sovereignty has placed other folks in positions of authority over me, all things being equal (i.e., no immoral or unjust actions are demanded of me) I should do my best today to cooperate with them rather than function in a mocking or subversive manner; and
• since I desperately need God to forgive my many moral transgressions, I must be willing to forgive those who will offend, disappoint  or inconvenience me before this day is through. 

How about you? Could it be that you’re reading this blog (whatever day it is) for a reason? Is God calling you also to adopt the “humility paradigm”?

Something to think about.