How Jehovah Proves To Be Humble

Humility is lowliness of mind, absence of arrogance and pride. An inner quality of the heart, humility is manifest in such traits as mildness, patience and reasonableness. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Never, though, should these godly qualities be mistaken for weakness or timidity. They are not incompatible with Jehovah's righteous anger or his use of destructive power. Rather, by his humility and mildness, Jehovah demonstrates his immense strength, his power to control himself perfectly. (Isaiah 42:14) How is humility related to wisdom? One reference work on the Bible notes: "Humility is finally defined . . . in terms of selflessness and is an essential root of all wisdom." Genuine wisdom, then, cannot exist apart from humility. How does Jehovah's humility benefit us?

King David sang to Jehovah: "You will give me your shield of salvation, and your own right hand will sustain me, and your humility will make me great.' (Psalm 18:35) In effect, Jehovah lowered himself in order to deal with this mere imperfect human, protecting and sustaining him day by day. David realized that if he was to find salvation-and even, eventually, achieve a measure of greatness as king-it would be only because of Jehovah's willingness to humble Himself in this way. Really, who of us would have any hope of salvation if Jehovah were not humble, willing to lower himself in order to deal with us as a mild and loving Father?

It is worth noting that there is a distinction between humility and modesty. Modesty is a beautiful quality for faithful humans to cultivate. Like humility, it is associated with wisdom. For example, Proverbs 11:2 says: Wisdom is with the modest ones." However, the Bible never speaks of Jehovah as being modest. Why not? Modesty, as used in the Scriptures, suggests a proper awareness of one's own limitations. The Almighty has no limitations except for those he imposes upon himself because of his own righteous standards. (Mark 10:27; Titus 1:2) Furthermore, as the Most High, he is subject to no one. So the concept of modesty simply does not apply to Jehovah.

However, Jehovah is humble and mild. He teaches his servants that mildness is essential to true wisdom. His Word speaks of "mildness that belongs to wisdom." (James 3:13) Consider Jehovah's example in this regard.

Next time: Jehovah Humbly Delegates And Listens

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002