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. (1 Peter 5:5)
Humility is a personal quality which causes an individual to show their dependence on God and respect for others.
Pride is undue confidence in and attention to one's own skills, accomplishments, possessions, or position.
Arrogance is an overt display of one’s sense of self-importance.
Many people have the wrong idea about humility, or being humble. God says when you are humble, you are free from pride and arrogance. You know that in your flesh you are inadequate, yet you also know who you are in Jesus Christ. You don't need to defend yourself when you understand what the Bible says about humility, for you know who you are in Jesus Christ. You can be a peacemaker without needing to fight for your rights. You can walk humbly in the power of the Holy Spirit, not in your own strength.
Godly humility is being comfortable with who you are in the Lord and therefore putting others first. The picture of humility in the Bible is one of a strong person who loves others, not someone who is weak. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3) Humility also is recognizing that you need God’s help, knowing you can’t truly succeed in your own strength. It is thanking God for your talents and gifts, and giving Him credit for your accomplishments. It is being comfortable with who you are in Christ and seeking to build others up, not yourself. It is gratefully walking in God’s grace, love, and forgiveness.
In the Bible, Jesus gives us a good example of humility in action. Although He was the son of God, He was gentle and humble--and He was strong. I am gentle and humble in heart. (Matthew 11:29)
Our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8)
Humility in action
Many people think humility means being weak or passive. That's not God's message to us. The following statements show the power in humility:
1) You can defuse arguments when you're humble.
You don't need to stand up for yourself in an angry manner. And you don't have to win every argument. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
2) You can handle unfair treatment peacefully when you're humble.
You can respond to unfair treatment without becoming bitter. Godly humility means you do not feel a need for vengeance or revenge. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
3) You do not have to pretend when you're humble.
When you understand God and humility, you don't need to act like a big shot. The better you know God, the less you have to prove. You can eat "humble pie" without being crushed when you're humble.
4) When you're humble, you can respond to and learn from criticism without becoming defensive, whether it is deserved or not deserved. You can be aware of your failures without being emotionally devastated.
5) You can ask for forgiveness when you're humble.
Even if you think you are only one percent wrong, you can easily apologize for what you did wrong.
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
6) You can speak with the right attitude when you're humble.
You can talk courteously and lovingly, regardless of the situation, even if you need to be firm or take strong action. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)
Here 9 maxims regarding humility and arrogance:
Humility is strong; arrogance is weak.
Humility wants to learn; arrogance already knows.
Humility promotes godly values; arrogance looks for the easy way out and seeks the advantage.
Humility listens; arrogance talks.
Humility desires to serve; arrogance is self-serving.
Humility builds and strengthens others; arrogance builds itself.
Humility opens hearts; arrogance builds walls.
Humility unites; arrogance divides.
Humility connects; arrogance disconnects.
