Every few weeks the same emphasis pops up in my Bible. Referred to over and over by various authors, I’m surprised by its ubiquitous nature. This week I noticed it in a passage where Peter encouraged church members to serve one another in kindness and deference. He wrote:

God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.

In earlier corners of the Good Book a variety of authors laid the foundation for Peter. Here’s a few samples:

He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed (Proverbs 3:34).

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

Jesus got in on the act: For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11).

Paul followed as well: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3).

As evidenced by these inspired writings, the Lord values humility. Jesus and his apostles modeled this way of life, and now encourage us forward. Humility may appear challenging, but it’s actually freeing. No need to posture or preen for the Lord or for each other.

The foe of humility is selfishness, vanity, arrogance—and all other elements of pride. Again and again the Bible speaks against delighted self-importance.

But humility? The Lord cannot get enough. A humble spirit allows me to follow God fully and relax in his favor.

1 Peter 5 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Orkun Azap