When Humility is Necessary

The word humility has been traveling with me these past weeks. And, I was reminded that it was not only needed in intimate relationships, but was also needed in business, especially when dealing with people.

The Bible speaks about humility in a many ways but, Proverbs 11:2 resonated with me as it reminded of the importance of being humble.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but humility comes wisdom – Proverbs 11:2 NIV

The scriptures express the real reality of what happens when we exalt, show-off and over exert. It is very clear that humility presents the opportunity for growth; which is often missed because instead of being humble and using difficulty moments to reflect, learn and grow. We become defensive and show-off.

These past weeks I have been drawn to the Bible for clarity and solidification. We have all heard of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector- by virtue of who he was the Pharisee prayed, lauded himself and blasphemed as he inserted the Tax Collector in his prayer. He was of the view that because he was a “just and righteous” man in the eyes of the world he was better than the Tax Collector. The Tax Collector on the other hand, knew who he was and what his job required of him, so as he prayed he ask for forgiveness and went home.

It is funny how we can forget ourselves and become so powerful that we scoff at everyone who we deem beneath us.

However, Luke 14:11 remains us of the need to maintain humility irrespective of how much we have achieved – whether in our career, our friendships, or in our spiritual journey.

Luke 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humble the himself shall be exalted

It is even more important based on the unpredictability of life today as: we are up and tomorrow we are down. The Book of Job epitomizes this unequivocally.

Solomon life’s journey also paints the picture of how in the midst of greatness power can be lost. As human beings humility should be very high on our value pyramid. This should be deemed non negotiable and should not be compromised, irrespective of the situation.

The man who contains his humility based on perception is overlooked; however, this is not the case. The boisterousness, the flamboyant pronouncements, the overshadowing and the positioning for the benefit of ones own gain is seen. The doer may believe it is masked but it is seen by the onlookers; as it is often those persons who gloat without substance. It is those people who depreciate another person for their own self gain. The Bible speaks of the unjust and warns of what will happen to those who unjustly creates harm.

Humility keeps us in check and it is an important attribute to possess. I pray to always be humble and have humility irrespective of my accomplishments or lack there of.