Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "humility before honor" is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of humility as a precursor to receiving honor. This principle is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament and is echoed throughout the New Testament, reflecting a divine order in which humility is a prerequisite for true honor and exaltation.Biblical References The phrase "humility is before honor" is directly derived from Proverbs 15:33, which states, "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor" (BSB). This verse highlights the relationship between the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and humility, suggesting that a reverent relationship with God fosters a humble spirit, which in turn leads to honor. Similarly, Proverbs 18:12 declares, "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor" (BSB). This verse contrasts pride and humility, warning that pride leads to downfall, while humility paves the way for honor. The juxtaposition of pride and humility serves as a moral lesson on the dangers of self-exaltation and the virtues of a humble heart. Proverbs 22:4 further reinforces this theme: "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life" (BSB). Here, humility is linked with the fear of the Lord as a source of divine blessing, including honor, suggesting that true honor is a gift from God bestowed upon those who walk humbly before Him. New Testament Insights The New Testament continues to uphold the principle that humility precedes honor. In the teachings of Jesus, humility is a central virtue. In Matthew 23:12, Jesus teaches, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (BSB). This statement underscores the divine reversal of human expectations, where self-exaltation leads to humbling, while genuine humility results in exaltation. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes humility as a key Christian virtue. In Philippians 2:3, he exhorts believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves" (BSB). Paul presents humility as essential to Christian conduct and community life, aligning with the example of Christ, who humbled Himself and was subsequently exalted by God (Philippians 2:5-11). James 4:10 echoes this sentiment: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" (BSB). This verse reiterates the promise that God honors those who humble themselves before Him, affirming the biblical principle that humility is the pathway to divine exaltation. Theological Implications The biblical teaching that humility precedes honor carries significant theological implications. It reflects the character of God, who opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Humility is not merely a social virtue but a spiritual posture that aligns believers with God's will and purposes. It acknowledges human dependence on God and the need for His grace and guidance. In the biblical worldview, honor is not self-attained but is a divine bestowal. The path to honor involves a recognition of one's limitations and a submission to God's authority. This principle challenges worldly notions of honor based on power, status, or achievement, offering instead a vision of honor rooted in humility and service. Practical Application For believers, the call to humility is a call to emulate Christ, who exemplified perfect humility. It involves a daily commitment to self-denial, service to others, and a recognition of God's sovereignty. In practical terms, humility manifests in attitudes and actions that prioritize others, seek reconciliation, and foster community. The biblical promise that humility leads to honor encourages believers to trust in God's timing and methods for exaltation. It assures them that true honor is found not in human accolades but in the approval and blessing of God, who lifts up the humble in due time. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 15:33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Pride and Humility Pride and Humility That in Adam's Sin an Evil Will Preceded the Evil Act. Humility. Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. Christ's Humility Our Salvation. Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ... Who is the Greatest? Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity. Whether Humility is a virtue? Resources What was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about conceit / being conceited? | GotQuestions.org Who was John the Apostle in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Humility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Humility: A Characteristic of Saints Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Humility: Saints should be Clothed With Humility: Saints should Beware of False Humility: Saints should Put On Humility: Saints should Walk With Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate Related Terms |