True Humility

True humility is a virtue highly esteemed in the Bible, characterized by a genuine recognition of one's own limitations and a deep dependence on God. It involves a heart posture that acknowledges God's sovereignty and grace, leading to a life of service and submission to His will. Humility is not merely an outward demeanor but an inward disposition that reflects a sincere understanding of one's position before God.

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on humility. In Philippians 2:3-4 , the Apostle Paul exhorts believers: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage highlights the selfless nature of true humility, where one esteems others above oneself and seeks their welfare.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes His humility: "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." Christ's incarnation and sacrificial death exemplify the depth of humility, as He willingly set aside His divine privileges for the sake of humanity.

The Old Testament also emphasizes humility. In Micah 6:8 , the prophet declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Walking humbly with God involves a life of justice, mercy, and a continual acknowledgment of God's authority and guidance.

Self-Righteousness

In contrast to true humility, self-righteousness is a disposition marked by an inflated sense of one's own moral and spiritual superiority. It often manifests in a judgmental attitude towards others and a reliance on personal achievements or adherence to religious laws for justification before God. Self-righteousness is condemned in Scripture as it leads to pride and a lack of genuine repentance.

The Pharisees in the New Testament are frequently cited as examples of self-righteousness. In Luke 18:9-14 , Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector: "To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I receive." But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified.'" This parable illustrates the danger of self-righteousness and the value God places on a contrite heart.

Isaiah 64:6 further underscores the futility of self-righteousness: "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away." This verse reminds believers that human righteousness, apart from God's grace, is insufficient and tainted by sin.

The Apostle Paul, once a Pharisee himself, warns against self-righteousness in Romans 10:3 : "For they were ignorant of God's righteousness and sought to establish their own. They did not submit to God's righteousness." Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not from the law or personal merit.

In summary, true humility is a recognition of one's dependence on God and a life lived in service to others, while self-righteousness is a reliance on one's own perceived moral superiority, leading to pride and spiritual blindness. The Bible calls believers to emulate the humility of Christ and to guard against the pitfalls of self-righteousness.