Defining Humility

[Allie]

Being humble is something I have a hard time understanding completely, although I really try to do what's right. I know its opposites are arrogance and pride. But what exactly is humility? What does it feel like to be humble?

I would like to hear people's opinions on humility. For instance, when someone compliments you, what are you supposed to do? I know you aren't supposed to get a big head, but I also don't think you're supposed to make whatever you did seem less than it was. Is there some way to bring it back to God? Should I give him the credit? If so, how should I do that?

I would especially like to hear the Christian perspective, but others are always welcome to share their opinions, too.

Can anyone help me with this? It may seem silly to some of you, but it's a struggle for me. Remember that I'm young, so even the simple things are sometimes complicated for me. If anyone could help me out, I would really be grateful.

[Goat]

Being humble is something I have a hard time understanding completely, although I really try to do what's right. I know its opposites are arrogance and pride. But what exactly is humility? What does it feel like to be humble?

I would like to hear people's opinions on humility. For instance, when someone compliments you, what are you supposed to do? I know you aren't supposed to get a big head, but I also don't think you're supposed to make whatever you did seem less than it was. Is there some way to bring it back to God? Should I give him the credit? If so, how should I do that?

I would especially like to hear the Christian perspective, but others are always welcome to share their opinions, too.

Can anyone help me with this? It may seem silly to some of you, but it's a struggle for me. Remember that I'm young, so even the simple things are sometimes complicated for me. If anyone could help me out, I would really be grateful.

I think being humble is a bad way to put things. I think that being respectful and polite would be the best practice of 'humble'. So many people make a big point about how humble they are, it is a pride issue.

There are times it is bad to be humble. For example, in a work environment, it is a good thing to have your manager/boss/supervisor know that you are doing a good job, and what you accomplish. You have to do it in the proper manner of course, but being valuable, and not being shy about it is a way to advance yourself in your career.

[JoeyKnothead]

[opinion]
Humility is accepting that one is not the best or brightest, but merely another human, with all that entails.
Self-deprecating humor is one of the best signs of humility I'm aware of.
Pride has its place, and humility should be a small part of it, where one takes a certain pride in accepting their own faults, while trying to remove them.
Fortunately I don't have any faults, I'm speaking here about those that do.
[/opinion]

[otseng]

I would like to hear people's opinions on humility. For instance, when someone compliments you, what are you supposed to do? I know you aren't supposed to get a big head, but I also don't think you're supposed to make whatever you did seem less than it was. Is there some way to bring it back to God? Should I give him the credit? If so, how should I do that?

I think a simple "Thank you" is sufficient. If one immediately goes into a monologue of how God is using you, then that is not a sign of humility.

There is nothing wrong about feeling a sense of pride when someone compliments you. But, after someone compliments you, you go on and don't place too much importance on it.

As for defining humility, it's one of those things where it's hard to define, but you recognize it when you see it.

[McCulloch]

As for defining humility, it's one of those things where it's hard to define, but you recognize it when you see it.

You might recognize it when you see it in others, but when you see it in yourself, you're probably mistaken.

[JoeyKnothead]

As for defining humility, it's one of those things where it's hard to define, but you recognize it when you see it.

You might recognize it when you see it in others, but when you see it in yourself, you're probably mistaken.

What a brain.

The correct take would be a combination of the two.

[Allie]

Thank you all for your replies.

Let's see... I understand that if one sees humility in themself, they might have a pride issue.

But Osteng, are you sure it's okay to feel prideful after someone compliments you? I'm not against happy feelings, but pride seems wrong. I thought pride was always bad. "To God be the glory" and all of that, right?

So let's define humility with what everyone has said so far. "Respectful and polite", "Accepting that you are just another human", and "not really something you should see in yourself".

So I guess no one can really say what it feels like to be humble, since most of the people here think that truly humble people don't recognise that they are humble. I agree with this, but also disagree. I think that one can be humble and know it without having any pride--I just think that it's extremely difficult, because it goes against human nature completely.

[Goat]

Thank you all for your replies.

Let's see... I understand that if one sees humility in themself, they might have a pride issue.

But Osteng, are you sure it's okay to feel prideful after someone compliments you? I'm not against happy feelings, but pride seems wrong. I thought pride was always bad. "To God be the glory" and all of that, right?

So let's define humility with what everyone has said so far. "Respectful and polite", "Accepting that you are just another human", and "not really something you should see in yourself".

So I guess no one can really say what it feels like to be humble, since most of the people here think that truly humble people don't recognise that they are humble. I agree with this, but also disagree. I think that one can be humble and know it without having any pride--I just think that it's extremely difficult, because it goes against human nature completely.

There are some things I think you SHOULD feel pride in. You should feel pride in your accomplishments. You should feel pride in your work.

There is a difference in feeling pride , and feeling prideful. To be able to accomplish something, and to have that acknowledged means you did a good job.

[otseng]

But Osteng, are you sure it's okay to feel prideful after someone compliments you? I'm not against happy feelings, but pride seems wrong. I thought pride was always bad. "To God be the glory" and all of that, right?

I don't think pride is always bad. But, if it gets too much and becomes prideful, boastful, and arrogant, then that's bad.