How to be humble. 33 thoughts on the virtue of humility.

Humility means not being proud or arrogant, but being modest and courteously respectful. How attractive is an attitude of meekness and gentleness!

1. Listen more than talk. Follow the words of the other, without being overly concerned about sharing your ideas.
2. Ask people for their opinion.
3. Be ready to give credit for another person’s idea, even if you are the one to carry it out.
4. Count to five before adding to a conversation. Be sure that the other person has finished his thought, and reflect on what he said.
5. Provide positive feedback.
6. Say, “I’d be honored” when asked to help.
7. Say, “It’s my pleasure” when thanked.
8. Admit when you don’t understand or know something.
9. When you screw up, say, “I was wrong.”
10. Teach someone what you know.
11. Cautiously use criticism, constructively and sparingly.
12. Give God the glory for skills, talents, blessings and successes.
13. Understand that timing is important.
14. Prioritize your time.
15. Think less about money for self, more about money for charity or for the building up of important things.
16. Think of others first, before yourself.
17. Pass on thanks to those who help you achieve something for which you were thanked.
18. Be quiet about your goals.
19. Be quiet about your achievements.
20. Look for potential in others.
21. Help others with their goals.
22. Value other people’s time.
23. Remember you have faults and are a sinner—you are no better than anyone else.
24. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
25. Pray for humility.
26. Seek wisdom by choosing wise friends.
27. Be willing to learn in all areas of education, especially about moral issues. Spiritual knowledge is found in church, Bible study and personal devotions.
28. Keep calm and carry on.
29. Be willing to accept new ideas and change.
30. Graciously accept praise with a sincere and simple, “thank you” without expounding upon it.
31. Don’t compare yourself to others.
32. Stick with your convictions. Recognize differences in others, but don’t conform if it doesn’t respect your values.
33. Forgive others who’ve wronged you without responding in revenge. Then move on.

These ideas are easier said than done, however, God is pleased when we try. The pleasure the Lord takes is not because of what we do, but because of the perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to earn our redemption. Teach us, oh Lord, to have a humble spirit.

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble with salvation.—Psalm 149:4 ESV
Teach us oh Lord. 
Christmas Inspirations Postcard Number Four ©Elizabeth B. Knaus

The Savior Redeems

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