Definition and Importance
Humility in teaching is the practice of imparting knowledge or instruction with a spirit of meekness, recognizing one's own limitations and the sovereignty of God in all understanding. It is an essential virtue for educators, particularly within a Christian context, as it aligns with the biblical call to serve others and to acknowledge that all wisdom and knowledge ultimately come from God.

Biblical Foundations
The Bible emphasizes humility as a core characteristic of a godly life. In teaching, humility is crucial because it reflects the character of Christ, who is the ultimate teacher. Jesus Himself exemplified humility, as seen in Philippians 2:5-8, where Paul writes, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."

Role of Humility in Teaching
1. Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty: Humility in teaching begins with the recognition that all truth is God's truth. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Teachers are stewards of this divine wisdom and must approach their role with reverence and dependence on God.

2. Servant Leadership: Jesus taught His disciples the importance of serving others. In Matthew 20:26-28, He said, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Teachers are called to serve their students, prioritizing their growth and well-being over personal accolades.

3. Teachability and Openness: A humble teacher remains teachable, open to learning from others, including their students. James 1:19 advises, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This attitude fosters a learning environment where dialogue and mutual respect thrive.

4. Avoidance of Pride: Pride is a significant barrier to effective teaching. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Humility guards against the arrogance that can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding in teaching.

Examples from Scripture
· Moses: Known as the most humble man on earth (Numbers 12:3), Moses exemplified humility in his leadership and teaching. Despite his significant role, he consistently sought God's guidance and was willing to learn from others, including his father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 18:24).

· Paul: The Apostle Paul, despite his extensive knowledge and authority, demonstrated humility in his teaching. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, he writes, "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."

Practical Application
For educators, practicing humility involves a commitment to prayer, seeking God's wisdom in teaching, and fostering an environment where students feel valued and heard. It also means being willing to admit mistakes and to learn from them, modeling a Christ-like attitude that inspires students to pursue truth and wisdom with humility.