The Power of Humility

The power of humility is in our teachability. Being humble is to admit that we need guidance; it is to be honest; and to remain teachable towards God. There is nothing shameful in this. Especially during trouble we need accurate wisdom of what to do. God will lead the humble in justice and teach them His way (Psalm 25:9). Pride makes people think they know it all and don't need God. People pride themselves in knowledge, but don't realise that they lack wisdom. Humility is beautiful. We place ourselves at the feet of a loving and wise God who teaches us His way. All His paths are 'lovingkindness and truth' to those who keep His covenant (v 10). In order to understand divine truth we must be humble and obedient. God doesn't require perfection; He requires humility. Even when we sin, we can ask God for forgiveness (v 11). He doesn't require perfection, yet He wants to make us wise and mature to handle life in the best possible way. We cannot choose whether or not we want trouble in life; trouble simply part of life. But we can choose if we want to learn God's ways or try our own instead. As someone wise said, 'We are free to choose, but we are not free of the consequences of our choices.' Unfortunately, some people think they can do whatever they want and get away with it. That is not how life works. We all reap what we sow and should therefore choose wisely. 

Humility is expressed in the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom because we revere Him who is all-wise (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; see Q7). We place ourselves in a position of teachability before God. To fear God is not to be afraid of Him, but to respect Him as Creator, Life-giver and Law-giver. God will instruct us in our choice, but it still ours to make (v 12). God doesn't enforce His will on us; He wants to instruct us to choose wisely. There is great blessing in choosing the ways of the Lord: 'His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land' (v 13). The blessing is on us and our children. What you do is good for both you and those round you. When we live in accountability towards out moral obligations, the quality of life increases. We make responsible decisions with others in mind.

The meek shall inherit the earth as God's children (Psalm 37; see E2). The power of humility is in inheriting God's blessing by keeping His ways. In the humility of a health reverence for God are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge of God's covenant (Psalm 25:14). There is security in being part of God's covenant; there is blessing, provision and protection. Even when we find ourselves in trouble, as we fix our eyes on God, He will pluck our feet out of the net (v 15), speaking of traps the treacherous people set up for us. Not everyone wants the best for you. Jealous people can do great harm. But we focus on God and His ways to keep us and guide us. The humility of learning leads to the wisdom of God. This is especially important during times of trouble when the right decisions are vital for our future.