Every day, we wake up and choose what we will wear. We choose those outward garments for their comfort, fashion, function, etc. Arrayed in our chosen attire, we step out to meet the world. Yet there is a garment far more significant than that which covers the body, one that truly matters before both God and men, for it adorns the soul, governs the conduct, and sanctifies the whole life.
God’s Word counsels us to “be clothed with humility.” Being adorned with humility is of far greater value than any outward ornament or attire, as Peter said in 1 Peter 3:3-4, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” The apostle also said in 1 Peter 5:5 - “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Humility is the posture of the soul that acknowledges God’s greatness and our unworthiness. Isaiah 57:15 declares, “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit...” God is “the high and lofty One”, far above all creation, eternal and unbounded by time, whose name is “Holy”, set apart in purity and perfection, unapproachable by sinful man. And yet, in astonishing grace, this same God condescends to dwell with the lowly in heart!
The Word of God commands us to be humble in order to walk with God. A soul cannot stand proudly, but must bow itself before God in repentance. The humble heart makes room for God’s nearness. He who inhabits eternity chooses to commune with those who tremble at His Word. Let us, therefore, humble ourselves before Him, for in our lowliness, we find the abiding presence of the Most High.
To be humble before God is also to recognise our absolute dependence on Him. As the apostle Paul wrote, “and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Every breath, every gift, and the only hope of salvation come from His gracious hand. The humble heart confesses, like David, “I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me” (Psalm 40:17).
To be humble before God further means that as we recognise our need for Him and repent of self-reliance, we walk in submission and obedient service to Him. Micah 6:8 captures this essential posture: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Living humbly before God brings rich and enduring blessings that cannot be earned by human effort or outward religion. James teaches that the humble soul is the special recipient of God’s grace and favour. James 4:6 declares, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” In declaring that “God resisteth the proud”, the text warns us that pride places us in direct opposition to the Lord. But to the humble, to those who bow low in reverence and dependence—He gives more grace. Grace is God’s undeserved favour, His strength given in our weakness, His mercy in our need. The proud cannot receive it, for they do not sense their need. But the humble are open vessels, and God fills them again and again. This truth is reiterated in James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” God does not despise the lowly; He honours them. He does not overlook the contrite; He draws near to them. In contrast, those who are lifted up in pride will be brought low. “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 16:5).
True Christian living begins and continues in a spirit of lowliness before the Lord.
Humility before others flows naturally from humility before God. When we see ourselves rightly before the Lord—as undeserving sinners saved by grace—we are far less inclined to elevate ourselves above our brethren. Instead, we become eager to serve, and quick to honour others. Walking humbly with God shapes how we deal with others—justly, mercifully, and humbly.
Scripture teaches us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is marked not by position or praise, status or recognition, rank or applause, but in the quiet, selfless posture of a servant’s heart. Jesus said, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12). In the Lord’s eyes, the one who prefers others has already attained greatness. The Lord is also committed to honouring and lifting those who humbly stoop to help and honour others.
Humility in the community of God’s people means esteeming others above ourselves and serving others without seeking praise, advantage or reward. The proud seeks honour from others; the humble gives it. Romans 12:10 instructs us: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another”. A humble person is eager to respect others. He is concerned about the good, the growth, and the honour of those around him.
Christians’ humility is also crucial to maintaining fellowship and unity in the church. Without humility, there can be no lasting peace in relationships, whether in the church, the home, or the wider community. Philippians 2:3 exhorts us, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” This “lowliness of mind” is a Christ-like view of self and others that promotes grace and unity. A humble heart does not seek to prove itself superior; instead, it seeks peace. It readily forgives because it remembers how much it has been forgiven by God. It does not keep a record of wrongs, but looks for ways to restore fellowship. As Paul continues in Philippians 2:5-8, he points us to Christ, who humbled Himself even unto death for our reconciliation. To prefer others for God’s glory is not weakness—it is greatness, even Christ-likeness, as God’s Word defines it.
The humble also remain teachable and meek in spirit. They will acknowledge that they do not know everything and must be guided by God and those who are godly. A humble heart listens, receives correction, and grows in wisdom. While the proud resist counsel, the humble listen and become wise. Proverbs 13:10 asserts, “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Again, Proverbs 15:31–33 says, “The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” A humble, teachable heart receives correction, and thus God’s help, to grow in wisdom.
Moreover, humility fosters spiritual growth, while pride hinders it. Humility opens the way to wisdom and maturity. Humble hearts that recognise their need for spiritual growth and maturity, welcome correction and instruction, and are grateful for the help they receive (cf. Proverbs 11:2). But the proud resist correction, refuse to learn, leading to spiritual stagnation and downfall. 1 Corinthians 8:2 warns, “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” True spiritual knowledge and growth occur only when we do not assume that we have attained full knowledge and spiritual growth. So, James 1:21 exhorts us, “...receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” A humble spirit is necessary to receive God’s Word and grow through it.
The Christian must “be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). It should cover every aspect of life – our appearance, our conduct, our prayers, our service, our relationships. Humility is not weakness; it is strength yielded to God. As we humble ourselves before God and before one another, we reflect the character of Christ and prepare ourselves to receive more of His grace.
