The Virtue of Humbleness

What comes to your mind when you heard the word Humbleness? An online dictionary explained that Humbleness is a quality of being modest or unpretentious. Genuine Humbleness is characterized by humility. Your humility shields you from boasting about your achievements and triumphs. Instead, you are represented by being a down-to-earth individual, responsible, and reserve.

The book of Luke 18:9-14 gives us a story of humbleness.

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else:  “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I’m not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I’m a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

It is a lovely illustration! The tax collector highlighted the lowly characteristics that he needs to improve in front of our Creator.  Despite of being well respected, powerful and influenced man in the society; he understood that he has nothing to boast for.  He fully recognized his transgression against divine law.  For this Jesus himself, confirmed that this is one good virtue that we can adapt and practice.

Accordingly to an article, there are 3 (three) signs of a humble man.

1. They don’t go around saying they’re humble
2. They talk less and listen more
3. They choose being at peace over being right

They don’t say “I’m humble”.

Precisely, this is what the Pharisee did during his prayers in the story. He deliberately exalted himself. However, a person with humility openly recognizes their pride as a weakness. Pride is a barrier because it is defined as “the pleasure of being above the rest.” A truly humble man can firmly recognize his tendency towards pride; hence he always practices self-discernment.

They are a good listener.

A quote from Steven R. Covey says, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” This quote is a perfect illustration of being selfish. A person’s intention of being above and right among the rest makes him talk more. Meanwhile, a person with humility exercises active listening because he is more interested in understanding others and feeding his curiosity. 

They choose Peace.

Most people, especially couples, argue about small things. Little disagreement can lead to a huge war of will power. Again, this leads to pride and selfishness. Pride of being over right against the other. Self-recognition of being always right is egoism.

However, a person with humility chooses peace over being right. A humble person always has the power and will to admit a mistake, allows others to save face when they are correct, and do not take grudges. Humble people are excellent in the practice of letting go and moving on. They often pick peace and harmony – secrets of life happiness.

My Takeaway!

We should practice humbleness before our God Almighty and others. A quality human characteristic is not easy to attain, though; it requires a pure willingness from within us and practice of discipline. Always strive to be humble. Stop bragging and boasting self-achievements and triumphs. Rather, let’s celebrate togetherness and make peace with others with a warm heart!

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