What does it mean to walk in humility? Was pride what caused Satan to fall? How can you walk in humility with God? In this blog, we’ll be answering some of the biggest questions about what it means to walk in humility. Through walking in humility Bible verses, and scripture on what it means to be humble, we’ll show you what the Bible says about pride, humility, and why being humble matters so much to God.
What is Humility According to the Bible?
If you’re wondering, “What does it mean to walk in humility?”, look no further than Jesus. Jesus set a perfect example of what it means to walk in humility. Though he was fully God, fully man, and without sin, he was a friend of tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9: 10-12), and he called the poor and the persecuted blessed (Matthew 5). Even though Jesus is the king of all kings and lord of all lords (Revelation 19:16), he showed us the way to walk in humility.
In the rest of the Bible, humility is a posture of the heart. When we walk in humility, we choose to value others above ourselves and recognize our need for God. As we think about ourselves less and prioritize God's kingdom, we learn to walk in humility, just like Jesus. Walking in humility scriptures show us that humility is a strength, not a weakness. Here are ten of our favorite walking in humility Bible verses to help you grow in humility and become more like Jesus:
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. - Matthew 23:12
This walk in humility Bible verse from Matthew 23:12 is a warning from Jesus to choose humility instead of entitlement. Entitlement is just a big word for when we think we deserve something that we don’t or the belief that we deserve special treatment from God and others. Walking in humility scriptures encourage us to choose humility over entitlement as we follow in the ways of Jesus.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. - Philippians 2:3-4
This walking in humility Bible verse encourages us to run from selfishness and to prefer others over ourselves. As you learn to walk in humility, you’ll find yourself putting other people’s interests and needs above your own. Over time, it will become like a reflex to you. Even Jesus, our model for walking in humility, chose to leave the glory of heaven to give his life for us, putting us before himself.
Curious to learn more about giving your life to Jesus? Find out how in our article: This is For You
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. - James 4:10
Walk in humility scriptures carry simple and powerful reminders that keep us from pride. Humbling yourself before the Lord can look like praying the words, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42), or choosing the lane with the longest line at the grocery store. Walking in humility often looks like growing in patience and self-control.
Learn more about patience and discipline in our blog: What Does the Bible Actually Say About Self-Control?
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8
Walking in humility is key to being a follower of Jesus. This walk in humility scripture even tells us that the Lord requires humility. What’s one way you can act justly, show mercy, or walk humbly this week?
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." - 1 Peter 5:5
Have you ever met someone proud? Think about when you’re in line at Starbucks. Let’s say the person in front of you is impatient, scoffing at the pace of the baristas, and acting a little bit like a diva. This is the opposite of walking in humility. When you choose to walk in humility, you choose patience rather than hurry.
Hear a real-life story of how redemption and walking in humility have the power to change everything: It’s Never Too Late: A Real-Life Story of God’s Redemption
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time - 1 Peter 5:6
Wow – this walking in humility Bible verse tells us that we should humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand. What a convicting and encouraging charge to walk in humility and trust God to promote you when it’s time. Whether you’re new to walking in humility or if you’ve been learning how to walk humbly with God your whole life, God is with you and for you.
Learn more about how God is always with you in our blog: God Meets You Where You Are
Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. - Proverbs 22:4
What do you think when you hear the words ‘the fear of the Lord’? Does it fill you with awe, or do you feel frustrated? The fear of the Lord in the Bible means reverence for God. So, when you walk in humility, you also walk in the fear of the Lord.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2
Walk in humility Bible verses show us that walking in pride is a disgrace. When you choose to walk in humility, you’re running from pride and choosing God’s way. God even says in this walk in humility scripture that when you’re humble, you get wisdom.
It’s impossible to walk in humility without community to sharpen you, like iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Learn more about the power of community and how you can walk in humility with others: Pursue Community
Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar. - Psalm 138:6
Even though God is high up in the heavens, he walks in humility by showing kindness to us humans here on earth. Jesus gave his life to show us just how much God, the Father, loves us. This walk in humility scripture reminds us that even though God is the most exalted and the most wonderful, he is also the most humble.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14
Walking in humility scriptures encourage us to humble ourselves by praying. Prayer is one of the most amazing gifts in the world – we can actually talk to God! Download our free e-book: Let’s Talk About Prayer to learn more about prayer and the simple steps you can take to grow your prayer life today.
How Can You Practice Humility?
Humility isn't just a nice idea—it’s the very heart of how we’re called to live as followers of Jesus. As we've seen through our study of walking in humility scriptures, humility is one of the most powerful and Christ-like qualities we can have as Christians. Though our efforts to walk in humility often go against the grain of human nature, there are simple ways to practice humility every day.
Practicing how to walk in humility starts with a daily decision to put others before yourself. Simple ways to do this are to listen before you speak and to intentionally seek God’s guidance in daily decisions. A simple phrase to remember as you walk in humility is, "What would Jesus do?"
When you see a homeless person on a street corner, stop and think, “What would Jesus do?”
When you’re in a disagreement with someone you love, stop and think, “What would Jesus do?”
When the line is long at the grocery store, stop and think, “What would Jesus do?”
Could you let someone go in front of you? Could you pay for someone else’s groceries? Learning to walk in humility isn't about thinking less of ourselves, but rather thinking of ourselves less and thinking more like Jesus.
Another practical way to walk in humility is to spend intentional and uninterrupted time studying the Bible. When we study walking in humility scriptures and truly take them to heart, we begin to see how Jesus modeled humility in every area of His life. While we aren't going to be perfect as we practice walking in humility, we are going to become more selfless, more loving, and more like Jesus. By meditating on walking in humility scriptures, you let the Word of God shape your heart, your mindset, and your actions.
Every day, you will have the chance to walk in humility instead of pride. Some examples of how this may play out in daily life are:
- If someone at your job gets the promotion you wanted instead of you, you can walk in humility by genuinely congratulating and celebrating the other person, rather than walking in pride and bitterness.
- During an argument with your friend or with your spouse, rather than asserting you're right, you can walk in humility by being the first to admit you're wrong or admit that you've made a mistake. By being quick to apologize and say, "I'm sorry,” you are practicing walking in humility with those you love.
- If you're being corrected by a friend, a leader, or someone at church, you can walk in humility by receiving their feedback and learning from their correction. Walking in humility scriptures praise those who walk in humility by listening to instructions and receiving correction.
Whether you’re leading a group, helping behind the scenes at Church, or faithfully working 40 hours a week, God delights in those who have a humble heart. When we walk in humility, we make room for God to move through us in powerful ways. Remember the phrase, “What would Jesus do?” and keep things simple as you’re learning to walk in humility.
The Blessings of Walking in Humility
In a world full of social media highlight reels and the boasting of achievement, it’s refreshing to meet someone who is walking in humility. The world often tells us to promote ourselves, fight to be seen, and prove our worth, but God’s Word calls us to a different path where we walk in humility, grace, gentleness, and kindness. Sometimes following God's way can make us feel like we're missing out. This couldn't be further from the truth! In fact, when we choose to walk in humility, we open ourselves up to God's blessings.
One of the blessings of walking in humility is a closer relationship with God. Because James 4:6 tells us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble," we know that when we choose to walk in humility, we are instantly getting closer to God. When we let go of pride and selfish ambition, God draws near to us and fills our lives with His presence, His peace, and His love. This walk in humility Bible verse reminds us that God actively blesses those who make room for Him in their hearts.
Another blessing of humility is that it brings harmony and calm to our relationships. When we choose to walk in humility, we stop fighting to have the last word or to "one-up" others in conversation. Making the choice to walk in humility helps us to become quick to forgive and to listen before we speak. Walking in humility also increases our capacity to love like Jesus. Choosing to walk in humility is a generational blessing as it disarms conflict and invites peace into our homes.
God also gives wisdom, rest, honor, and even promotion to those who choose to walk in humility. There's nothing but good reasons to start walking in humility! The humble way is the blessed way.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve answered the question, “What does it mean to walk in humility?”, the choice is yours. As you can see, choosing to walk in humility isn’t just a wise decision—it’s a life-changing one marked by the blessings of God. Whether you’re looking to deepen your relationship with Jesus or to strengthen your relationships with others, the blessings of walking in humility are clear. Thankfully, Jesus is your example and your helper as you learn to walk in humility. God smiles and honors the moments when you choose humility over pride, service over recognition, and surrender over self-promotion. Remember to keep asking, “What would Jesus do?”, and let the truth of walking in humility scriptures shape your life, one day at a time. The more you walk in humility, the more you’ll discover the joy, peace, and grace that come from living like Jesus. We can’t wait to hear about all that God does through you as you choose to walk in humility.
