Jack Gutknecht

I think the shortest way to answer this, Kathlelen, is this: To be humble means recognizing total dependence on God, serving others like Christ, and trusting Him to lift you up. EBD defines it as a grace pleasing to God, knowing we have nothing to boast of (Rom 12:3; 1 Cor 3:5-7). ISBE calls it essential piety: walking humbly with God (Mic 6:8) and being "poor in spirit" (Mt 5:3). It brings tranquility (Ps 69:32-33), patience (Job 1:22), and God's favor. God exalts the humble (Prov 16:18; Mt 23:12; Lk 14:11) and dwells with them (Isa 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet 5:5). Christ emptied Himself (Phil 2:6-8), washed feet (Jn 13), and was "gentle and lowly" (Mt 11:29). Remembering our sins humbles us. As Lam 3:39 asks, why should a living person complain when punished for sins? Since sin's punishment can lead to death, anyone punished yet still lives has little to complain about. We are but dust (Gen 18:27; Job 42:5-6). Examples: Moses (Ex 4:10), David (2 Sam 7:18), John the Baptist (Jn 3:30), Paul (1 Tim 1:15). Beware false humility (Col 2:18, 23). True humility forgets self to focus on God and others. In short, live in constant dependence on God, serve others, and leave exaltation to Him. Sources: EBD, NAVE, ISBE (classic.net.bible.org); BibleHub (verses); AI structuring.

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