BIBLE STUDY
Humility and pride are important virtues that are often admired and valued in various cultures and belief
systems. Here's what they mean:
Humility:
Humility is the quality of being humble, modest, and respectful. It involves having a low view of one's
own importance, being open to the ideas and perspectives of others, and being willing to learn from
others. A humble person does not seek attention or praise for their accomplishments and is willing to
acknowledge their limitations and mistakes. Humility involves a sense of self-awareness and an
understanding of one's place in the larger context of life, acknowledging the contributions of others and
recognizing that no one is superior to others.
Pride is a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, qualities, or
possessions, often accompanied by a sense of superiority over others. It can also refer to excessive self-
esteem or an inflated sense of one's own importance or worth. Pride can manifest in various forms, such
as pride in one's accomplishments, appearance, social status, or talents.
Humility:
1. What does the Bible teach us about the importance of humility in our relationship with God and
others?
2. Explore the lives of humble individuals in the Bible (e.g., Moses, Jesus). What can we learn from their
examples?
3. How does humility contribute to effective leadership, both in biblical contexts and in our
contemporary lives?
4. Read Philippians 2:3-11. How does this passage emphasize the significance of humility?
5. Discuss the difference between false humility and genuine humility. How can we discern between the
two?
6. In what ways can we cultivate humility in our daily lives? What are some practical steps to develop a
humble attitude?
Pride:
1. Examine biblical examples of individuals who displayed pride and the consequences they faced (e.g.,
Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4). What lessons can we learn from their stories?
2. Read Proverbs 16:18. What does this verse teach us about the dangers of pride? How can pride lead
to downfall?
3. Explore the contrast between pride and gratitude in the Bible. How does gratitude promote humility?
4. Reflect on the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. What does this parable
teach us about the attitude of the heart in prayer and humility before God?
5. Discuss the relationship between pride and judgmental attitudes. How can pride blind us to our own
faults while highlighting the faults of others?
6. In what ways can we overcome pride and embrace a spirit of humility? How does prayer, self-
reflection, and seeking God's guidance help in this process?
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility as a virtue. Proverbs 22:4 says, "Humility is
the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life."James 4:6 similarly reminds us that "God
opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."
Conversely, pride is often seen as a negative trait in Scripture. Proverbs 16:18 states famously that
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall,"while Psalm 10:2 describes someone who
is full of themselves as thinking "nothing will ever shake me."
Jesus himself modeled perfect humility during his time on earth. Philippians 2:5-8 tells us he "[made]
himself nothing by taking on the very nature of a servant"and refused to use his power for personal gain
or control over others.
1. Story of Nebuchadnezzar's Humility (Daniel 4):
- Summary: King Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful ruler of Babylon, becomes prideful and is humbled by
God. He loses his sanity and lives like a wild animal until he acknowledges God's sovereignty.
-Key Verse: Daniel 4:37 - "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven,
because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to
humble."
2. Story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14):
- Summary: Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee who prays with pride, thanking God that he is not
like others, especially the tax collector. The tax collector, however, prays with humility, acknowledging
his sinfulness and asking for God's mercy.
- Key Verse: Luke 18:14 - "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before
God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be
exalted."
3. Story of King Solomon's Humility (1 Kings 3:5-14):
- Summary: Solomon, the son of David, humbly asks God for wisdom and understanding to govern the
people of Israel instead of asking for personal wealth or power. God grants his request and blesses him
with wisdom and much more.
- Key Verse: 1 Kings 3:9 - "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to
distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
4. Story of Naaman's Healing (2 Kings 5:1-19):
- Summary: Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Syria, is healed of leprosy by following
the prophet Elisha's humble instructions to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman initially
struggles with his pride but humbles himself, leading to his healing.
- Key Verse: 2 Kings 5:13 - "But his servants came near and said to him, 'My father, it is a great word
the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, Wash, and be clean?'"
