Between superior and nothing, I exist.
Humility is about seeking a level playing field between all people. In displaying this trait, one does not seek to degrade or puff up oneself or others. Mashiach Yeshua says, “The greatest among you shall be to you as a servant. Everyone who lifts himself up will be brought low, but everyone who lowers himself will be lifted up.” (Matthew 23 : 11-12, DHE). Humility out of balance can appear two ways. One extreme displays haughtiness, while the other extreme displays groveling and self-deprecation. The obvious middle is where humility shines.
In a conversation, focus intently on what the other person is saying and not on what you will say next.
Practice active listening and talk less.
Prefer someone’s needs over yours.
When someone says something that does not agree with your opinion, considering holding your tongue and letting it go.
Meditation
Daily Questions
What were the "seeds" that started to erode your humility today?
Think of how you responded to praise, or how you responded to someone else receiving praise. Did you become puffed up when you were complimented? Did you feel jealous or resent someone else receiving good words?
Did you take the time to truly listen to those around you today, or were you more focused on speaking? Were you able to say words to lift up those around you?
In the course of your day, did you make an effort to wholeheartedly look at your shortcomings today rather than focus on those of others?
Were you able to use prayer or meditation to balance out your humility?
When you are around others, do you often feel superior?
Are you realistic in your analysis of who you truly are?
Featured Articles
Quotables
For who in the skies can be compared to G-d? Who is like G-d among the heavenly beings? -- Tehillim 89:7
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. -- Mishlei 11:2
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. -- Mishlei 16:18
Be lowly in spirit before everyone. -- Avos 4:10
Wherever you find God's greatness, there you will find His humility -- b. Megilla 31a
The greatest among you shall be to you as a servant. Everyone who lifts himself up will be brought low, but everyone who lowers himself will be lifted up. -- Matthew 23:11-12, DHE
A true genius admits that he/she knows nothing. -- Albert Einstein
True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. -- Timothy Keller
Be careful not to mistake insecurity and inadequacy for humility! Humility has nothing to do with the insecure and inadequate! Just like arrogance has nothing to do with greatness! -- C. Joybell C.
Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you. -- Andrew Murray
The humble person is open to being corrected, whereas the arrogant is clearly closed to it. Proud people are supremely confident in their own opinions and insights. Filled as they are with their own views, the arrogant lack the capacity to see another view. -- Thomas Dubay
It stands to reason that anyone who learns to live well will die well. The skills are the same: being present in the moment, and humble, and brave, and keeping a sense of humor. -- Victoria Moran
Humility is that freedom from our self which enables us to be in positions in which we have neither recognition nor importance, neither power nor visibility, and even experience deprivation..and knowing that we are not in the center of the universe, not even in the center of our own private universe. -- David F. Wells
I know what you are thinking. I now get my wisdom off of tea bag tags. Next it’s fortune cookies for me. Well, the answer is no.