Humble (ταπεινός)
Humbleness is not humiliation—whether imposed by others or by oneself—but a willing recognition of dependence upon God. It stands in direct opposition to pride, which is characterized by a lofty frame of mind concerning oneself. Humility involves maintaining a proper frame of mind that is based on truth and grounded in reality. The root of humble expresses the concept of a person of low estate—having modest means—or afflicted; thus, within Scripture, humility describes someone who does not hold a high frame of mind concerning himself.
In Matthew 11:27, Jesus encouraged the Jews to come to Him. They were heavy-laden from the Law and the traditions of their fathers. His yoke was not heavy, because He is objective and humble in heart.
When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaped, and Elizabeth was mentally filled by the Holy Spirit. In response to her cousin’s blessing, Mary expressed her rejoicing in God for regarding her low estate, understanding that it was God who had done this for her, permitting her to carry the Messiah (Luke 1:48). He is the One who, from generation to generation, shows mercy to those who fear Him, putting down the mighty from their thrones and exalting those of lowly estate (Luke 1:52).
Grace believers are to have a mind that is framed in the same manner—not framing their minds on high things, but associating with those of low means (Romans 12:16). Money often persuades men to think of themselves as wise, based on their own opinion of themselves. This attitude will cause a man to associate with the wealthy while ignoring the better things in life, and not considering a man based on his character (James 1:9).
God comforts those who are of low estate. Paul was comforted by Titus’ report of how the Corinthian saints cared for him and provided for his needs (2 Corinthians 7:6). A man who lacks wealth is not of less value to God, for the things of this world—including its money—mean nothing to Him. It is the character of the man that matters. Comfort is not given by wealth, but through relationship with others.
When Paul was with the Corinthian saints, he was not boisterous or demanding; but having heard of their errors, he was bold in his absence. In his boldness—with objectivity and gentleness—his desire was that when he was with them, he might be humble rather than having to be bold against them because of their wandering ways (2 Corinthians 10:1–2).
God gives favor to the humble but arranges Himself in battle against the proud (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Maintaining a proper frame of mind and not being arrogant in your ways will result in favorable outcomes, but those who puff themselves up to appear bigger and better than they truly are will always fall into difficulties, for they are proud in themselves and thus stand in opposition to God.
Humility refers to a lowly disposition that flows from an accurate understanding of one’s position before God, not from a diminished sense of worth. It rejects self-exaltation, recognizing that our value is defined by God’s estimation rather than our own.