Humility Is Knowing What You Don't Know

[Richard]

Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his countenance is changed.
Ecclesiastes 8:1

Throughout the Bible, we are warned against being wise in our own eyes. Solomon says that a wise man has a shining face, a glowing countenance. A wise man knows some things and some things he doesn’t. But “the sternness of his face is changed” because he is not uptight about what he doesn’t know. He is wise, and his wisdom makes him humble.

In 1 Corinthians 8:2, Paul wrote, “And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” Knowledge is a never-ending pursuit, an exercise in humility as we discover what we don’t know. Two decades ago researchers told us that the world’s knowledge changed every 38 years. That is, the knowledge you could acquire in 38 years was equal to all the knowledge that existed before. Today the knowledge of the world changes every single year! Today, more knowledge is accumulated in one year than in all the years that have ever been. And it will keep growing every year.

My grandchildren understand modern electrical gadgets better than I do because they have grown up with them. Knowledge is exploding—and it’s getting harder and harder to keep up. It is a wise and humble man who knows what he doesn’t know, what he can’t know, and what he doesn’t need to know—because you can’t know it all. Anyone who thinks he “knows it all” is already suffering from pride.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Humility is knowing what you do know and still remaining humble.

 

[Horatius]

Oh if you only knew. Counterfeit, or phony, humility Is the worst.

Even though these two concepts are virtually synonymous, I feel it is good to separate them because the Bible is very specific on the meaning of “false humility.” In fact, false humility only appears in one chapter of Bible—Colossians 2, where it comes up twice:

Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility Col. 2:18

These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body Col. 2:23

These two references to false humility are five verses apart. What is between the two of them? Four verses on legalism. In other words, the biblical definition of false humility is “legalism.” Here is a part of the text:

Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—“do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? Col. 2:20–22

 

[Believe]

Oh if you only knew. Counterfeit, or phony, humility Is the worst.

Even though these two concepts are virtually synonymous, I feel it is good to separate them because the Bible is very specific on the meaning of “false humility.” In fact, false humility only appears in one chapter of Bible—Colossians 2, where it comes up twice:

Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility Col. 2:18

These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body Col. 2:23

These two references to false humility are five verses apart. What is between the two of them? Four verses on legalism. In other words, the biblical definition of false humility is “legalism.” Here is a part of the text:

Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—“do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? Col. 2:20–22

Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
PSALM 40:4

The proud are not trustworthy. They don’t trust and they can’t be trusted. They’re self-contained in their own little controlling world. Their motives are suspect. It’s all about their agenda and their priorities. There’s a sense of urgency around what they deem important. Their only regard for others is to use them to accomplish their own end. Pride may give lip service to the Lord, but they trust in themselves. They even invoke the Lord’s name, but mostly in vain.

So stay away from the influence of the proud lest you become like them. Keep your distance from those whose heart is hollow of humility. The proud may be attractive because of their accomplishments, but even the devil can get things done. Models worth following are those who are quick to give God the glory for their family and work success. They bow humbly before God’s throne of grace and offer Him the fruits of their labor by faith. Trust the humble in heart.

“All those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

Be especially wary of those who portray an air of humility but mask a proud heart underneath. This may be the most hideous sin because it’s unseen to the naive and naked eye. False humility wants you to believe what isn’t true. False humility smiles when it isn’t really happy. False humility serves, but only out of fear of the object of its service. False humility acts nice, but all the while resentment builds. False humility is pride in disguise. It’s the worst kind of pride.

Deal daily with pride in your own heart and mind. Trusting God means not trusting in yourself. It’s all about Him and His game plan. Success makes you think you’re something. When you’re tempted to that, run from taking credit for results. Humbly listen to the great thoughts of thinking people.

God’s way is the best way. Tap into His truth. Trust Him with people and circumstances. Wait on the Lord; His way will prevail by prayer and patience. The humble hone in on heaven’s agenda!


Psalms: A 90-Day Devotional

 

[Ray]

If we recognize humility for what it is and admit that we really are humble, this in no way implies that we are perfect. God requires us to be humble, just as He requires us to be holy, but He has never required, or even expected, us to be perfect.

Some people have not understood this important distinction because they remember what Jesus said: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” Matt. 5:48

This is a classic translation problem. “Perfect” in this verse comes from the Greek teleios. The meaning of teleios is not a flawless moral nature but maturity. What Jesus was saying is that we are supposed to live up to everything that God wants us to be.

The problem is that almost all English translations render teleios as “perfect” and that can throw us off track at this point. The only translation I found that really brings out the meaning is Eugene Peterson’s The Message, which declares, “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects.

Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” Once we understand this, we know how we can be humble without at the same time being perfect.

 

[Dizerner]

Here's true humility: realizing you're probably more proud than you think you are.

 

[Dizerner]

the Greek teleios

It's important we do realize Jesus was saying the standard of God's holiness is too high for men, or we go back to righteousness by Law.

The word means "completed or finished towards a goal," and definitely can include the idea of perfect.

When Jesus cried out "It is finished!" he was not crying out "it is mature!"

 

[Studyman]

If we recognize humility for what it is and admit that we really are humble, this in no way implies that we are perfect. God requires us to be humble, just as He requires us to be holy, but He has never required, or even expected, us to be perfect.
Some people have not understood this important distinction because they remember what Jesus said: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” Matt. 5:48

Paul doesn't agree with this mainstream religious philosophy regarding the Words of God HE gave us though the Mouth of His Christ, my Lord Jesus, in my view. Paul teaches that eternal life is granted "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for "glory and honour and immortality", (Rom. 2:7)

The teaching that God, even through His Son, places instruction on mankind that are "impossible" to keep and then lies to them by telling them they CAN keep them, is a popular religious philosophy promoted by many "who come in Christ's Name" in the garden God has placed you and I in. But if a man was to consider all of Paul's teaching, it is clear he didn't adopt this popular religious philosophy.

Consider the other Words of Jesus concerning the Seeking of "glory and honour and immortality". This would be found in the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness that Jesus said to "SEEK First", Yes? If you disagree, please tell me where else a man can go to find "glory and honour and immortality".

Matt. 13: 44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Paul said;

1 Cor. 9: 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

The Hebrews author concurs.

Heb. 1: 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses (Examples of Faith in the Law and Prophets), let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

And what is this race, if it is not to "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect"? What else matters?

1 Cor. 7: 19 Circumcision (Jew) is nothing, and uncircumcision (Gentile) is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

This is the ONE thing that Jesus achieved that qualified HIM to the Position and Glory that God gave to Him. A name above all other men. The "First fruits of many". He became perfect, even as His Father in heaven is Perfect.

Phil. 2: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he "humbled himself", and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore (Because of this) God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:


This is, according to Paul's own words, the Prize he raced, and taught others to race towards. Please consider his words.

Phil. 3: 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, (Bringing a goat to the Levite Priest for the remission of sins) but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith (being perfect as God is perfect, like Jesus)

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, ( Denying His Flesh to do the Will of God) being made conformable "unto his death";

11 If by any means "I might attain" unto the resurrection of the dead.

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: "but I follow after", "if" that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph. 2:10)

13 Brethren, I count "not" myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark (My Race) for the prize of "the high calling of God" in Christ Jesus.

This is the Perfection of which Jesus Spoke of, that is the goal of the true worshipper's race to "glory and honour and immortality".

15 Let us ( those who have yielded themselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and their members (Hands, feet and mind) as instruments of righteousness unto God, Rom. 6:13) therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Jesus said there are many, who partake of this world's man-made shrines of worship, (synagogues) who do their alms (be humble) before men. And while they look good and will receive a reward in this life, HE said not to be therefore like unto them. They have their judgments, their own high days, their own images of God in the likeness of beautiful, long-haired men, and they do receive the praise of men, and there are "many" who adopt this Path. But to Humble (Yield) oneself to God, and their body as instruments of God's Righteousness, to repent of this world's religious system and turn to God like Paul and the other Disciples did, this is the Path Jesus instructed us to Strive for, this is the Path that leads to life. And few there be that find it.

Matt. 4: 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

I advocate that men "humble themselves" to God, as the Entire Bible Teaches. And believe on the Word's HE spoke through His Only Begotten Son. Not just hear some of His Words, but to become a "Doer" of all His Sayings as He instructs. Even if there are other voices in the garden, who call Jesus Lord, Lord, that tell us doing so is impossible, and "God doth know it".

 

[civic]

Humility defined

Strong's Lexicon
tapeinophrosune: Humility, lowliness of mind
Original Word: ταπεινοφροσύνη
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: tapeinophrosune
Pronunciation: tah-pay-no-fro-SOO-nay
Phonetic Spelling: (tap-i-nof-ros-oo'-nay)
Definition: Humility, lowliness of mind
Meaning: humility, lowliness of mind, modesty.

Word Origin: Derived from ταπεινός (tapeinos, meaning "humble" or "lowly") and φρήν (phren, meaning "mind" or "understanding").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for tapeinophrosune, the concept of humility is present in the Old Testament, often expressed through words like עָנָו (anav, Strong's H6035) meaning "humble" or "meek."

Usage: Tapeinophrosune refers to a mindset characterized by humility and modesty. It is the quality of having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of one's moral littleness, and a modest view of one's importance. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the attitude believers should have towards God and others, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and servitude.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, humility was not typically seen as a virtue. The culture often valued honor, status, and self-promotion. However, the Christian teaching, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, turned this cultural norm on its head by elevating humility as a key virtue. The early Christian community was called to embody this counter-cultural value, reflecting the humility of Christ in their relationships and community life.

HELPS Word-studies
5012 tapeinophrosýnē (a noun, derived from 5011 /tapeinós, "low, humble" and 5424 /phrḗn, "moderation as regulated by inner perspective") – properly, low; humility, "lowliness" of human pride (self-government); that quality of mindset of "having a humble opinion of oneself, i.e. a deep sense of one's (moral) littleness – i.e. lowliness of mind" (J. Thayer).

In Scripture, 5012 /tapeinophrosýnē ("lowliness, humility") is an inside-out virtue produced by comparing ourselves to the Lord (rather than to others). This brings behavior into alignment with this inner revelation to keep one from being self-exalting (self-determining, self-inflated). For the believer, 5012 /tapeinophrosýnē ("humility") means living in complete dependence on the Lord, i.e. with no reliance on self (the flesh).

[5012 (tapeinophrosýnē) is atypically used of false humility in Col 2:18, 23.]

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5012: ταπεινοφροσύνη

ταπεινοφροσύνη, ταπεινοφροσύνης, ἡ (ταπεινόφρων; opposed to μεγαλοφροσύνη, ὑψηλοφροσύνη (cf. Winers Grammar, 99 (94))), "the having a humble opinion of oneself; a deep sense of one's (moral) littleness; modesty, humility, lowliness of mind"; (Vulg.humilitas, Luth. Demuth): Acts 20:19; Ephesians 4:2; Philippians 2:3; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5; used of an affected and ostentatious humility in Colossians 2:18, 23. (The word occurs neither in the O. T., nor in secular authors — (but in Josephus, b. j. 4, 9, 2 in the sense of pusillanimity; also Epictetus diss. 3, 24, 56 in a bad sense. See Trench, N. T. Synonyms, § xlii.; Lightfoot on Philippians, the passage cited; Zezschwitz, Profangräcität, as above w., pp. 20, 62; Winer's Grammar, 26).)
STRONGS NT 5012a: ταπεινόφρωνταπεινόφρων, ταπεινοφρον (ταπεινός and φρήν), humble-minded, i. e. having a modest opinion of oneself: 1 Peter 3:8, where Rec. φιλόφρονες. (Proverbs 29:23; in a bad sense, pusillanimous, mean-spirited, μικρούς ἡ τύχῃ καί περιδηις ποιεῖ καί ταπεινόφρονας, Plutarch, de Alex. fort. 2, 4; (de tranquill. animi 17. See Winer's Grammar, § 34, 3 and references under the word ταπεινοφροσύνη, at the end).)



Englishman's Concordance- Used 8 times in the N.T.

Acts 20:19 N-GFS
GRK: μετὰ πάσης ταπεινοφροσύνης καὶ δακρύων
NAS: with all humility and with tears
KJV: all humility of mind, and
INT: with all humility and tears

Ephesians 4:2 N-GFS
GRK: μετὰ πάσης ταπεινοφροσύνης καὶ πραΰτητος
NAS: with all humility and gentleness,
KJV: With all lowliness and meekness,
INT: with all humility and gentleness

Philippians 2:3 N-DFS
GRK: ἀλλὰ τῇ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ ἀλλήλους ἡγούμενοι
NAS: empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard
KJV: but in lowliness of mind let
INT: but in humility one another esteeming

Colossians 2:18 N-DFS
GRK: θέλων ἐν ταπεινοφροσύνῃ καὶ θρησκείᾳ
NAS: by delighting in self-abasement and the worship
KJV: a voluntary humility and
INT: doing [his] will in humility and worship

Colossians 2:23 N-DFS
GRK: ἐθελοθρησκίᾳ καὶ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ καὶ ἀφειδίᾳ
NAS: in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment
KJV: and humility, and
INT: voluntary worship and humility and unsparing treatment

Colossians 3:12 N-AFS
GRK: οἰκτιρμοῦ χρηστότητα ταπεινοφροσύνην πραΰτητα μακροθυμίαν
NAS: kindness, humility, gentleness
KJV: kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
INT: of compassion kindess humility gentleness patience

1 Peter 3:8 Adj-NMP
GRK: φιλάδελφοι εὔσπλαγχνοι ταπεινόφρονες
INT: loving the brothers tender hearted humble

1 Peter 5:5 N-AFS
GRK: ἀλλήλοις τὴν ταπεινοφροσύνην ἐγκομβώσασθε ὅτι
NAS: of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another,
KJV: and be clothed with humility: for
INT: one to another the humility bind on because

Strong's Greek 5012
8 Occurrences

ταπεινόφρονες — 1 Occ.
ταπεινοφροσύνῃ — 3 Occ.
ταπεινοφροσύνην — 2 Occ.
ταπεινοφροσύνης — 2 Occ.

 

[jeremiah1five]

If we recognize humility for what it is and admit that we really are humble, this in no way implies that we are perfect. God requires us to be humble, just as He requires us to be holy, but He has never required, or even expected, us to be perfect.

Some people have not understood this important distinction because they remember what Jesus said: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” Matt. 5:48

This is a classic translation problem. “Perfect” in this verse comes from the Greek teleios. The meaning of teleios is not a flawless moral nature but maturity. What Jesus was saying is that we are supposed to live up to everything that God wants us to be.

The problem is that almost all English translations render teleios as “perfect” and that can throw us off track at this point. The only translation I found that really brings out the meaning is Eugene Peterson’s The Message, which declares, “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects.

Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” Once we understand this, we know how we can be humble without at the same time being perfect.

A great many are "thrown off" by trying to get doctrine from a translation. It doesn't work.

It [perfect] can mean "maturity", but a more precise definition is "complete." Jesus said a similar word from the cross when He said, "It (salvation/redemption) is finished!"

The translation "The Message" is a very corrupt translation taken from Westcott & Hort's Greek translation they made in 1881. All new-age, modern day translations use their Greek translation for all bibles on the market today. Too bad not many are aware of what they did in 1881. Confusion is not of God.