“It was good for me that I was humbled.”
Have you ever felt belittled?
Forced humility is not humility but rather humiliation. Humiliation is different from humility. Because the term is often misused, we find it challenging to embrace humility.
There is One who exemplified a life of humility while simultaneously exercising His authority with quiet confidence. Christ showed us how to embrace the power of our identity while maintaining a heart that serves others.
What does Christ-like humility look like?
Paul gave this example:
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges, took the humble position of a slave, and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8, NLT)
Paul teaches that humility is shown through a healthy understanding of our position in the kingdom of God. In God’s kingdom, everyone is equal; no one is greater than another (Galatians 3:28; 5:21). From that position of understanding, we can embrace Christ-like humility as an act of love that involves putting the needs of others above our own desires.
David also wrote much about the role of humility. In the heart of Psalm 119 is a section emphasizing the concept of “good.” Verses 65-72 are titled with the Hebrew letter “teth,” which symbolizes the goodness of God. The Hebrew word for good is “tov,” and it appears six times in this eight-verse section.
We often do not associate goodness with humility, but David did.
Humility and the Goodness of God
Synonyms for the English word “good” include superior, quality, competent, outstanding, and excellent. The Hebrew word for good, “tov,” has a similar meaning but more profound significance. “Tov” conveys what is appropriate, right, excellent, kind, and valuable.
King David associated this type of goodness with humility, highlighting a deep and significant understanding of both concepts.
“I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.” (Psalm 119m 67-68, 71, NLT)
In the NLT, the term “suffering” is used, while the NRSV opts for “humbled.” Most translations, however, use the word “afflicted” to represent the Hebrew word “ana.” The term “afflicted” depicts a sense of torment and the type of suffering that arises from the most distressing circumstances. Regardless of whether the situation is one we created or one beyond our control, David embraced this affliction as something good.
David reflected on his life before he cultivated humility, describing it as a time of wandering or, as many translations put it, “I went astray” (Psalm 119:67, NRSV). Although he was aware of God’s word, there were moments when he did not consistently follow God’s ways. These times of wandering or going astray produced a humility in him that allowed him to recognize what was truly better and good.
Verse 71 elevates the concept of goodness by relating suffering, being humbled, or affliction to personal growth. David expresses, “It is good for me that I was humbled, so that I might learn your statutes” (Psalm 119:71, NRSV). The NIV says, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”
His challenging circumstances provided opportunities to understand and learn God’s word in ways he may not have otherwise experienced. David saw humility as a good thing.
David also recognizes God as the Author of all that is good, even in the hard times. “You are good and do only good” (Psalm 119:68).
Embracing the depth of goodness and humility that David expressed can be challenging. However, when we turn to God’s Word as David did, we see things through the lens of truth. Jesus stated that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that the truth is what sets us free (John 8:32, 14:6).
The afflictions we experience in life, which foster humility, can ultimately be beneficial when we seek out the Truth and allow His words to address our struggles. As our humility grows, we become freer to love and serve others in ways we may not have been able to before. The truth is humility is a good.
I pray that Christ-like humility will be developed as you immerse yourself in God’s Word. That you will see the goodness of God in ways most unexpected, and that walking in the truth of humility will lead you to new levels of freedom. So be it, in Jesus’ name.
Meditate: God is good and only does good.
Reflect: What types of experiences with humility have you had? Do you see humility as a good thing?-Why or why not? Ask God to show you what He wants you to know about humility.
Deeper: (As you read through these additional verses, ask the Spirit to give you wisdom, and teach you more about how humility needs to show up in your life.). Psalm 119: 65-72; Philippians 2:3-8; Matthew 5:1-12
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(Bible References: NRSV – New Revised Standard Version, NLT – New Living Translation, NIV – New International Version)
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