False Humility in the Bible: Understanding and Cultivating True Humility
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Humility is a virtue that’s often misunderstood, and the Bible warns against “false humility” which can be just as damaging as pride. False humility in the Bible refers to the pretense of being humble while actually harboring prideful thoughts.
Humility is often misunderstood as consistently minimizing our accomplishments or diminishing our worth. Nevertheless, genuine humility revolves around finding balance. This perspective holds much significance for believers who want to align their lives with the humble principles outlined in biblical teachings.
So let’s explore false humility and learn how we can cultivate true humility in our lives.
And be sure to grab your FREE Practicing and Cultivating Humility Devotional Journal at the end of this article!
What is False Humility?
False humility is when we pretend to be humble, but in reality, we are either fishing for compliments or we’re just not honoring the gifts God has given us. As I said, the Bible warns against this kind of false humility, which is actually a form of pride.
In Colossians 2:18-23, Paul talks about those who appear humble but are actually indulging in self-made religion and false humility. This kind of behavior leads to a lack of spiritual growth and authenticity:
Let no one disqualify you by insisting on false humility and worship of angels—going into detail about what he has seen, puffed up without cause by his fleshly mind. 19 He is not holding fast to the Head. It is from Him that the whole body, nourished and held together by its joints and tendons, grows with a godly increase.
Colossians 2:18-23 TLV
20 If you died with Messiah to the basic principles of the world, why—as though living in the world—do you subject yourselves to their rules? 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!” 22 These all lead to decay with use, based as they are on man-made commands and teachings. 23 Indeed, these are matters that have an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and self-denial of the body—yet none are of any value for stopping indulgence of the flesh.
Self-made religion often involves practices and behaviors that appear pious on the surface but lack genuine humility and devotion to God. Paul warns against such practices here, describing how some people indulge in false humility through severe self-discipline, angel worship, and claiming special visions. These actions are rooted in pride and self-righteousness rather than true submission to God.
This kind of false humility is dangerous because it focuses on outward appearances and personal achievements instead of a sincere, humble relationship with God. It leads to a form of self-deception, where individuals believe they are spiritually superior due to their strict practices and ascetic lifestyle, rather than relying on God’s grace and mercy. True humility recognizes our dependence on God and seeks to honor Him through authentic faith and genuine service, not through ostentatious displays of self-made piety.
The Biblical View of Humility
Humility is deeply valued in the Bible. In Philippians 2:3, we read:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
TLV
This is echoed throughout the Scriptures, where humility is often linked to wisdom and honor (Proverbs 11:2; James 4:10). Jesus himself embodied humility, serving others and teaching that the greatest among us must be a servant (Matthew 23:11-12).
However, there’s a delicate balance to maintain. While we are to be humble, we’re also called to recognize and use our gifts, giving God the glory and not ourselves. Romans 12:3-8 urges us to think of ourselves with sober judgment and to use the gifts we have according to the grace given to us. Denying or neglecting our gifts can be just as detrimental as pride.
Mussar’s Approach to Humility
Mussar, a 19th century Jewish spiritual and ethical discipline that focuses on personal character development and moral conduct through study is aimed at cultivating virtues such as humility, patience, and kindness. You can learn more about Mussar here on our site and we offer free Mussar classes as well.
Mussar teaches that humility is about not taking up more space than necessary but also not shrinking ourselves to the point of ineffectiveness. This approach is beautifully balanced and aligns well with biblical teachings.
Anavah: True Humility
In Mussar, the Hebrew term for humility is “anavah.” Anavah is not self-negation but should be an accurate self-assessment. It encourages us to recognize our strengths and weaknesses honestly, without exaggeration or understatement.
While humility is a valued trait, having too much humility can be detrimental, particularly when it stems from an inability to see one’s own self-worth. This kind of excessive humility often leads to self-deprecation and underutilization of the gifts and talents God has given us. People who fall into this trap might constantly downplay their abilities, avoid stepping into leadership roles, or refrain from sharing their insights and skills with others.
When I was younger, people would tell me I was pretty or looked pretty and, rather than saying “Thank you” I would say “No I’m not”. That was not humility, it was self abasement. It was also unbiblical. I am created in the image of God and even if I didn’t think I was particularly pretty or just looked a hot mess one day, I was actually insulting God’s creation. A simple “Thank you” is all that is needed and I learned to do that as I got older.
I do not have to agree with someone’s opinion to simply thank them and appreciate them for it.
The Bible teaches that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and that each of us has unique gifts intended to serve others and glorify God (Romans 12:6-8). When we fail to recognize our own worth, we are not only diminishing ourselves but also neglecting the divine purpose for which we were created.
True humility involves an honest self-assessment—acknowledging both our strengths and weaknesses. It allows us to serve others without seeking personal glory but also without hiding our God-given talents. As C.S. Lewis said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” By understanding and embracing our self-worth, we can strike a balance between confidence and modesty, effectively using our gifts for the greater good and to honor God.
The Dangers of False Humility: A Personal Story
Growing up, I had a stepfather who had a unique take on this topic. Every morning, he would get ready, look in the mirror, and then come out dancing and jokingly say, “I am SO handsome. I can’t get over how handsome I look! Diane, don’t I look handsome? I don’t know how you all can stand living with someone THIS handsome!” I would often tell him he sounded conceited, and he would reply by joking, “I don’t believe in false humility.” This routine was more than just playful banter. It taught me an important lesson at a young age.
False humility can diminish glory we give God for the gifts we have received. It can prevent us from stepping into the roles God has planned for us, out of a misplaced sense of modesty. True humility, on the other hand, acknowledges our gifts while giving glory to God, recognizing that these talents are not of our own making but are bestowed upon us for a purpose.
Once again, the key lies in balance. If you go too far to either side, you are either risk being prideful or you risk being self abasing.
The Balance of Humility
A key principle in Mussar is that too much humility can be as harmful as too little. If we downplay our God-given talents, we might fail to fulfill our potential and the purposes God has for us. On the other side of the coin, overestimating ourselves can lead to arrogance. Mussar aims to help us find that middle ground where we can be humble yet confident in our abilities.
Humility and False Humility in the Bible: Examples and Warnings
The Bible provides clear examples and warnings about false humility. Jesus criticized some of the Pharisees for their outward displays of piety that lacked genuine humility (Matthew 23:5-12). Some were more interested in appearing humble than being humble.
Paul also cautioned against false humility as we saw earlier in Colossians 2:18-23. Such practices might appear humble but are actually rooted in pride and self-righteousness.
Humility in Action: A Biblical Example
Consider the example of Moses. Numbers 12:3 describes him as very humble, more than anyone else on the face of the earth. Yet, Moses didn’t shy away from leading Israel out of Egypt or confronting Pharaoh. His humility wasn’t about self-diminishment but about obedience to God’s call, despite his own insecurities.
Let’s look at more references in scripture to humility.
Bible Verses About Humility
- Matthew 6:1-2 -“Beware of practicing your righteousness before others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you do tzedakah [charity], do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Amen, I tell you, they have their reward in full.”
- James 4:6 – “But He gives greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
- Isaiah 58:3-4 – “Why have we fasted—yet You do not see? Why have we afflicted our souls—yet You take no notice?’ Adonai says, ‘Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and exploit all your laborers. Behold, you fast for strife and contention and to strike with a wicked fist. You should not fast as you do today to make your voice heard on high.'”
- Matthew 23:12 – “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”
- 1 Peter 5:5-6 – “Likewise, you younger ones, submit yourselves to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time.”
- Proverbs 27:2 – “Let another praise you and not your own mouth, a stranger and not your own lips.”
- Colossians 2:18 – “Let no one disqualify you by insisting on false humility and worship of angels, going into detail about what he has seen, puffed up without cause by his fleshly mind.”
These verses, all from the Tree of Life version, highlight the importance of true humility and the pitfalls of false humility. They encourage us to seek genuine humility and avoid the hypocrisy that comes with false humility.
Who Showed Great Humility in the Bible?
Aside from the examples we have noted already of Jesus and Moses, several other individuals in the Bible exhibited great humility. Here are a few notable examples:
- David: Despite being anointed king, David showed humility in his relationship with Saul. He respected Saul’s position as the Lord’s anointed and refrained from taking Saul’s life when he had the chance (1 Samuel 24:5-7).
- John the Baptist: John demonstrated humility by acknowledging that his role was to prepare the way for Jesus. He famously said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
- Joseph: After being sold into slavery by his brothers and rising to power in Egypt, Joseph exhibited humility by forgiving his brothers and attributing his success to God’s plan (Genesis 50:19-21).
- Paul: The Apostle Paul showed great humility by recognizing his weaknesses and boasting in them so that Jesus’ power would rest on him. He also considered himself the “least of the apostles” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Corinthians 15:9).
- Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Mary’s humility is evident in her response to the angel Gabriel’s announcement that she would bear the Messiah. She accepted her role with grace, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
These individuals exemplified humility in their actions and attitudes, serving as models of this important virtue in the Bible.
Applying Mussar’s Teachings About Humility to Christian Life
Understanding humility through Mussar can enrich our walk. Here are a few practical steps:
1. Self-Assessment:
Take time to assess your strengths and weaknesses honestly. Reflect on the gifts God has given you and how you can use them to serve others and glorify Him.
2. Avoiding False Humility:
Recognize that denying your talents is not humility. Use your gifts confidently, knowing that they are from God and meant to be used for His purposes.
3. Balanced Living:
Strive for balance. Don’t seek the spotlight, but don’t hide your light under a bushel either. Aim to be effective in your service without seeking personal glory.
4. Continual Growth:
Humility involves recognizing that we’re all works in progress. Commit to continual personal and spiritual growth, seeking wisdom and guidance from God.
What About Humility in Disagreements?
What about the guidelines for humility, especially in today’s social media climate? Is it possible to disagree with others on platforms like Facebook or Twitter while remaining humble? I believe it is. Does holding firm to your political beliefs make you arrogant? Well, not necessarily.
The key is remembering it is an OPINION and just because you feel a certain way about a topic doesn’t mean you have all the answers or even the facts. It doesn’t mean you are right just because you feel strongly about it.
You can engage in political debates online (not that I see that as constructive) and still treat others with respect. Genuine respect is often built through constructive disagreements. When someone makes a well-reasoned argument for their stance, I find myself respecting them even more, even if I still disagree with them.
Disagreeing with others is acceptable as long as we show respect towards them. It is important to understand that having a different opinion does not make us superior. By actively listening to others’ viewpoints, we demonstrate humility and acknowledge that we still have much to learn.
Mussar’s Teachings in Practice: Our Mussar Program
In our Mussar program, we dive deep into these teachings, helping participants find a balance between humility and self-assurance. We use various texts and practices to cultivate an accurate self-assessment, encouraging each individual to recognize their unique gifts and how they can be used to serve God and others, not just themselves. We would love to have you join us!
My Final Thoughts
To summarize, excessive humility, where we deny our abilities and potential, can lead to a form of false humility. This can prevent us from using our God-given gifts and fulfilling our roles in God’s plan.
True humility is about balance. It’s about recognizing and using our gifts while maintaining an attitude of service and respect towards others. False humility, on the other hand, either denies these gifts or seeks attention for being ‘humble.’
By understanding and applying the teachings of Mussar, we can achieve a healthier, more biblical approach to humility. Our Mussar program offers a structured path to cultivate this balance, helping believers to live out their faith more authentically and effectively.
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.