by Paloma Dominguez

Humility is often misunderstood as simply being shy or having low self-esteem, but it’s actually much deeper than that. It’s about having a balanced view of yourself, recognizing both your strengths and the strengths of others. Humility can have a big impact on your relationships, personal growth, and overall outlook on life. In this article, we’ll explore what humility really means, how it helps you connect with others, and why it’s key to becoming a better version of yourself.

Humility is about having a balanced view of yourself

John Piper explains that humility is seeing yourself rightly in relation to God, not just in relation to others. He states, “Humility does not feel a right to better treatment than Jesus got” (Desiring God). This means that true humility isn’t just about being modest, but about recognizing that life is about honoring God rather than exalting ourselves.

The Bible also speaks to this, especially in Philippians 2:3-4, which says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Humility is the opposite of arrogance. Arrogant people tend to think they’re better than everyone else, and that makes it hard for them to connect with others. But humble people are approachable and often seen as more likable. They don’t have to be the loudest or most impressive person in the room. They just carry themselves with respect for others, which makes all the difference.

David Mathis highlights that humility shifts your focus away from yourself and toward serving others. He writes, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less” (Desiring God). In other words, humility doesn’t mean you deny your worth, but that you prioritize the needs and perspectives of others instead of constantly focusing on yourself.

Romans 12:10 reminds us: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This kind of attitude helps you build stronger friendships and relationships because people feel heard and respected when you’re humble. When you’re not focused on yourself, you’re able to truly connect with others. Humility opens the door for empathy, which means you’re able to understand and care about other people’s feelings, struggles, and points of view. That creates stronger, more meaningful connections that last.

Piper also points out that humility is essential for spiritual growth. He states, “Humility is the great opposite of a sense of entitlement” (Desiring God). When we let go of entitlement and pride, we become more receptive to learning, correction, and wisdom from God and others.

Proverbs 11:2 says: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” If you always think you know best or act like you’re always right, you miss out on opportunities to grow. Humility makes it easier to learn from others and improve yourself. It’s okay to make mistakes because, with humility, you understand that they’re part of the learning process. Being humble means being open to change and willing to grow, which is super important in life.