The proud and assertive are often portrayed as the people to imitate. The humble and meek tend to be seen as feeble, timid. But is genuine humility really a weakness? And is pride actually a strength? What does the Bible say?
First of all, it must be stated that the Bible speaks well of certain forms of pride. For example, Christians should be proud that Jehovah is their God and that he knows them. (Jeremiah 9:24; 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 4) However,pride has a darker side.
One definition of pride is excessive self-esteem. That kind of pride gives one an improper feeling of self-importance and superiority, maybe because of beauty, race, rank, or wealth. The Bible speaks of men being “puffed up with pride.” according to 2 Timothy 3:4. In other words, they have an inflated opinion of themselves, one that is unjustified.
The humble, on the other hand, try to view themselves honestly and objectively, acknowledging their imperfections and their lowly position before God, and also rejoice in the superior qualities they see in others. (1 Peter 5:6;Philippians 2:3) Hence, they do not become bitter with envy or consumed by jealousy in their relations with other people.
God’s Word encourages humility because the lowly in heart readily accept counsel and are a delight to teach. They are happy to adjust their viewpoint when presented with accurate new information. They are unafraid to ask questions, whereas the proud often refrain from doing so, for fear of having their ignorance exposed.
Humility is strength because it moves Christians to always learn and change their ways if they have committed some wrong acts. Pride will make an individual not to accept correction because he/she believes they are always right even when it is wrong in the sight of God.