40 Bible Verses about Humility – Scriptures on Being Humble

Scripture consistently flips the world’s values upside down, praising lowliness over self-importance and service over status. Whether spoken by ancient prophets or voiced by Jesus Himself, verses on humility call us to recognize our dependence on God and to honor others before ourselves. The lists below gather key passages in four groupings—Old Testament counsel, teachings of Christ, apostolic guidance, and a quick set of concise reminders. Read slowly, note the patterns, and let each line shape a gentler, more grounded way of walking through the world.

Old Testament Verses on Humility

• “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8
• “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” — Proverbs 15:33
• “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” — James 4:10 (echoing Proverbs 3:34)
• “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” — Proverbs 18:12
• “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” — Proverbs 29:23
• “The Lord is high, yet He regards the lowly.” — Psalm 138:6
• “I dwell… with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit.” — Isaiah 57:15
• “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land… seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered.” — Zephaniah 2:3
• “He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way.” — Psalm 25:9
• “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” — Proverbs 22:4

Jesus’ Teachings on Humility

• “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” — Matthew 5:5
• “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” — Matthew 23:12
• “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” — Matthew 11:29
• “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” — Luke 22:26
• “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me.” — Luke 9:48
• “When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” — Luke 14:13
• “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11
• “Let the greatest among you become as the least.” — Luke 22:26
• “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” — Mark 10:45
• “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 18:3

Apostolic Guidance on Humility

• “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” — 1 Peter 5:5
• “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3
• “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” — 1 Peter 5:6
• “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6
• “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” — Ephesians 4:2
• “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” — Galatians 6:3
• “Therefore, as God’s chosen people… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility.” — Colossians 3:12
• “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.” — Romans 12:16
• “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” — 1 Corinthians 8:1
• “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” — Ephesians 5:21

Short Humility Verses

• “He must increase, I must decrease.” — John 3:30
• “Pride goes before destruction.” — Proverbs 16:18
• “Serve the Lord with gladness.” — Psalm 100:2
• “Seek the Lord and live.” — Amos 5:6
• “Be humble, thinking of others.” — Philippians 2:4
• “Grace to the humble.” — 1 Peter 5:5
• “Walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8
• “Love builds up.” — 1 Corinthians 8:1
• “God lifts the lowly.” — Psalm 147:6
• “Blessed are the meek.” — Matthew 5:5

Practicing Humility: Five Simple Devotions

1. Silent Gratitude Minute
   Begin each morning by listing three gifts you didn’t earn—health, friendships, sunrise—reinforcing dependence on God’s grace.
2. Hidden Service
   Once a week, do a helpful act anonymously (leave encouragement on a coworker’s desk, handle a chore at home) to train the heart away from applause.
3. Name the Teacher
   When corrected, pause to thank God for the lesson rather than defending ego; humility grows when criticism becomes curriculum.
4. Scripture Memory
   Memorize one short verse from today’s list and repeat it whenever pride flares—truth disarms self-promotion.
5. Celebrate Others
   Make it a habit to highlight someone else’s success daily. Praising others out loud shrinks the self to its healthy size.

Final Note

Humility is less a single choice than a daily rhythm—bowing the heart before God, lifting others, and remembering our shared need for grace. Let these verses anchor that rhythm, guiding thoughts, words, and actions toward the quiet strength Jesus modeled so perfectly.

These verses offer profound insights into the nature of humility, portraying it as not merely a passive submission but as a powerful force for personal growth, wisdom, and divine favor. Through humility, individuals can foster deeper connections with others and with God, navigating life’s challenges with grace and strength.

FAQ: Guidance on Humility