“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble'” (1 Peter 5:5 ESV).
The following definitions can help us understand and apply this reference to humility from 1 Peter 5:5. For instance, humility can be defined as…
- The quality or condition of being humble. (1)
- A freedom from arrogance that grows out of the recognition that all that we have and are comes from God. (2)
In considering these definitions, it’s important to recognize that the Biblical concept of humility differs from that of humiliation. Humiliation involves an action that elicits a sense of shame, disgrace, or dishonor, particularly when witnessed by others. On the other hand, humility is a positive personal characteristic that involves courtesy, respect, and a modest self-opinion.
Humility embodies an attitude that stands in contrast to such negative qualities as conceit, arrogance, and pride. For example, a humble person is someone who refrains from bragging about his or her identity or accomplishments. Instead, he or she understands that every talent, skill, ability, and possession represents a divine gift from God.
We should also consider this unusual reference to “clothing ourselves” with humility. This descriptive phrase encourages us to “put on” the virtue of humility as part of our daily lives, much as a modern-day server might put on an apron. Jesus was someone who led by example in this area as we see in the following excerpt from the Gospel of John…
“Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel he had around him” (John 13:3-5 NLT).
This helped lead Paul the Apostle to the following conclusion from the Biblical book of Philippians…
“In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. Christ himself was like God in everything. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit. But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born as a man and became like a servant. And when he was living as a man, he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5-8 NCV).
(1) “Humility.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved. Accessed 12 April, 2024 from https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=humility
(2) “Humility.” Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. General Editor Ronald F. Youngblood, Copyright © 1986, 1995 by Thomas Nelson Publishers.