The Book of Proverbs
Study #17: Humility
November 7, 2004
Jim Bordwine, ThD
Introduction

We often think of humility as the absence of pride. That is, if a man is not known for his arrogance, some automatically label him as humble. In Solomon's teaching, however, the quality of humility is not automatically present in a man who refrains from manifesting undue pride. Humility is an aspect of character that must be developed and nurtured all by itself. Solomon reserves some of his most encouraging words for the person who understands and practices humility.

Our Memory Verse

The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD

are riches, honor and life.

(Pro. 22:4)

I begin with this verse because it makes a striking parallel between humility and the fear of the LORD. Immediately, therefore, we are put on notice regarding the significance of this character trait. The fact that fear of the LORD would bring forth the blessing of God is no surprise. But Solomon states that humility, too, brings forth God's favor.

The word translated "humility" (anavah) means "meekness, gentleness." It's a term that is always used in a positive sense in the Old Testament. It is used to describe the manner of God when He comes to the aid of His children; and it is used to describe a desirable aspect of a man's character. This word implies self-restraint, discernment, and proper understanding of one's place in God's created order. Again, the fact that Solomon lists humility along side of fear of the LORD tells us that this is a most appealing trait.

I would suggest that, based on what Solomon says in this verse, that humility is an "ingredient," if you will, of fear of the LORD. That is, a man who lacks humility doesn't really fear the LORD; he doesn't really walk rightly before God, in other words. Without this trait of meekness, especially before the face of God, how can a man claim to understand correctly his place?

The term "reward" (eqeb) is interesting. It doesn't mean a prize or a compensation of some kind. This term means "consequence" as in the result of a specific set of circumstances. Solomon means that one consequence of humility and fear of the LORD is abundant blessing from God. He doesn't mean God "pays" a man to be humble! The trait of humility comes first and the blessing of God follows, not vice versa. Solomon means that if a man is characterized by humility, meekness, and gentleness, he is the kind of man who is going to be at peace with God.

I also want to note that this verse is the only appearance in the book of Proverbs of the word translated "reward." This, too, emphasizes the special nature of humility. The "reward" of God is not reserved for just every trait a man might manifest, but it is reserved, in particular, for the one who walks humbly before God. We have failed to understand Solomon if we fail to see the significance of this quality. This is one of the very few character traits that is mentioned numerous times in the Bible; and it is the one trait that stands out immediately when we consider the Savior--both in His conduct on earth and on the cross, and in the descriptions of His character found among the New Testament epistles (e.g., Phil. 2).

Additional verses

When pride comes, then comes dishonor,

but with the humble is wisdom.

(Pro. 11:2)

According to our memory verse, we would certainly say that humility was an honorable and desirable trait. Here, Solomon says bluntly that pride leads to dishonor. He writes as if one inevitably produces the other and I'm sure that is what he means to imply. Unlike humility, pride brings no good thing to a man's life; and it does not simply leave him "neutral." Pride damages a man's life by introducing the element of "dishonor." This word (qalown) means "shame, confusion, disgrace, reproach." It's a strong word.

presumptuousness, arrogance." Remember that the previous verse used a term meaning "gentleness, meekness." These are descriptions of two very different dispositions. One runs ahead and thinks he knows the steps to take, the other moves more cautiously and understands he is dependent on other resources. One thinks little of boasting in himself, and the other would never boast in himself. One thinks he is free of accountability, the other knows he accountable before his Maker.

wisdom and fear of the LORD are linked. The previous verse drew a connection between humility and fear of the LORD; this one draws the same connection in another manner. In Solomon's world, wisdom means walking rightly before God. He says specifically here that humility and wisdom go hand in hand. A prideful man cannot be a wise man, we might suggest; and a humble man will not bring dishonor to himself. Again, these are two different dispositions, two different approaches to the evaluation of self and life.

A man's pride will bring him low,

but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

(29:23)

is worth noting because it tells us that the proud man accomplishes just the opposite of what he seeks. He seeks to exalt himself, but he actually lowers himself, as it were. And this verse says plainly that the humble man--that is, the man characterized by gentleness, self-control, and meekness--gets what the proud man longs for, namely, honor.

that means "to be abased, to be humiliated, to be set in a lower place." It's interesting to note how many examples we can find in Proverbs of one action or intention producing just the opposite of what is desired. In this case, as I said, the proud man gains the opposite of what he wants. He wants to be honored by others, but he is humiliated before them. By the way, this should tell us something about how we should view pride. We should not act as if it is a small matter. It is, in fact, a disgraceful trait.

Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself;

since you have come into the hand of your neighbor,

go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor.

(Pro. 6:3)

section, Solomon is giving advice to his son regarding the unpleasant circumstance of having to face up to a rash decision or a hastily spoken promise. What does the wise man do when he discovers that he has made a serious mistake in judgment or when he realizes that he spoke too soon or when he learns that an act he has committed was, in reality, a foolish? Solomon tells his son how to behave in that kind of situation and what he says runs counter to the natural inclination a man has during such an event.

his words or actions have placed him in a position where his mistake is obvious to his neighbor. The example Solomon uses is one in which one man has vouched for another--maybe the first man has guaranteed the truthfulness of the second man's word to a third party, or maybe the first man has obligated himself to cover a debt for someone else while fully expecting that party to take care of the commitment himself. The point is that the first man meant well, but now finds himself in the embarrassing position of having to "eat his words," as we say.

compel such a man to protect himself by not facing up to his mistake or the obligation he has assumed for another. Because pride is an ever-present characteristic in us, our inclination in this kind of circumstance is to avoid being the one at whom the finger is pointed. But Solomon knows that the man of faith must act otherwise. And to act otherwise and in a manner that would be pleasing to the LORD, he must humble himself and face the situation though it was not his deliberate intention to create it in the first place.

"deliver" (natsal) refers to escaping from a hazardous situation. The situation is one that is unexpected and comes upon a man by surprise. The point is that the event has happened; Solomon isn't speaking of preventative action, but of action taken once his son finds himself in such a position. The key to his son's deliverance from this regrettable circumstance is humility: "go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor." The son is being told that he must appeal to the one to whom he is now accountable and he must do so in meekness.

exercised when a man inadvertently gets himself into a difficult spot. You'll notice that Solomon doesn't advise his son to plead ignorance or bend the truth in order to save face. Solomon teaches that it's best to own up to what you've done, and accept the consequences of your words or actions. This requires acting contrary to our fallen nature, as I noted before.

Do not claim honor in the presence of the king,

and do not stand in the place of great men;

for it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here,"

than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince,

whom your eyes have seen.

(Pro. 25:6, 7)

humility. What is this passage describing? It is describing a general disposition that a person should have when it comes to self-promotion. Solomon teaches that it is better to be honored or exalted by another than to attempt to honor and exalt yourself. There is a kind of man who will boast in the presence of a king, Solomon reflects; this kind of man believes he is right at home with men of renown and accomplishment. He has a high view of himself and his abilities. He assumes that it is his rightful place to be among those who are leaders and authorities. This attitude is seen throughout this man's life--he has a very high opinion of himself.

would never assume a place in the presence of great men, a man who would never assume that he should be included in the company of kings. This man does not boast of his gifts and accomplishments, and this man does not expect honor and exaltation and makes no attempt to gain such for himself. This is the man who may be called up to a place of honor from a lower place. This is the man who recognizes that he should not bestow praise on himself, but should leave that for others if, indeed, he is worthy.

comfortable; the other kind of man doesn't enter the king's presence. The first kind of man may be directed to leave because he is where he does not belong; and in such a situation, he suffers great embarrassment. The second kind of man, because he has not exalted himself but has chosen a lower place, may be told "Come up here" and sit with the king. This kind of man avoided disgrace because of his humility. That is the difference between the two. In terms of overriding principles, we may say that the humble man is always in a position of being honored and never has to worry about being told that he is out of place, while the man lacking humility always runs the risk of humiliation and always faces the possibility of being told that he has arrogantly put himself where he does not belong.

The remainder of the verses I picked for this study may be examined at your convenience.

Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant than he who honors himself and lacks bread. (Pro. 12:9)

The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility. (Pro. 15:33)

It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Pro. 16:19)

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor. (Pro. 18:12)

Practical Responses

Humility is one of those fundamental characteristics that should be counted as extremely desirable by all. Humility is a sign of great maturity because the humble person has obviously come to understand that he is not the center of this existence, but is only a creature in God's world--and a fallen creature at that. I would maintain that no one who understands what the Bible says about fallen man and about God's grace toward us in Christ can fail to manifest humility. I think that one of the inevitable results of growing in the faith is this quality of humility. The more we come to know God and ourselves, and the more we come to grasp what we are and what's been done for us, the more we are going to reflect Christ, not ourselves, and the more we are going to want others to see Him, not us.

As our verses have illustrated, humility is a trait that must be pursued, it must be practiced. A person has to work at being humble, if I may put it in those terms. That's because, as I said, of our natures that want to go in the opposite direction. The flesh wants attention, but it must be denied. The flesh leads us to believe we are incapable of error, but it must be opposed. Humility, in the final analysis, is simply subduing the flesh. I would also suggest that it is the key to our sanctification.