As we welcome the New Year, the profound statement “Humility is the beginning of wisdom” offers timeless guidance for personal and spiritual growth. This biblical principle encourages us to embrace humility as a foundation for gaining wisdom and aligning our lives with God’s will.
Humility, a New Year’s virtue. The New Year is often a time of resolutions and self-improvement. Proverbs 11:2 reminds us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Starting the year with humility means acknowledging our limitations and seeking God’s guidance in our decisions. Similarly, Proverbs 22:4 states, “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” By submitting to God, we open ourselves to His wisdom for the journey ahead.
The “fear of the Lord” is described in Proverbs 9:10 as the beginning of wisdom. This fear is not terror but a reverent acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. As we face the uncertainties of the New Year, humility reminds us to trust God’s plan, recognizing that His understanding surpasses ours. In Job 42:3, Job humbly confesses, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”
Jesus as our model. Jesus Christ embodies humility, showing us how to live wisely. Philippians 2:5-8describes how Jesus, though divine, humbled Himself to serve humanity. His humility teaches us to approach the New Year with a servant’s heart and a focus on God’s will. Matthew 5:3 reminds us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” emphasizing the blessings that flow from humility.
Practical New Year applications. Pray for guidance as Solomon did in 1 Kings 3:7-9. Serve others with a humble spirit. Acknowledge limitations and seek wisdom from God.