A Picture of Humility

“LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me.” (Psalm 131:1)

Who says that? How could anyone say, “I am humble.” Isn’t it prideful to say, “I am not prideful.”

If the psalmist was truly being pursued by his enemies and they were trying to discredit his character, it would suffice for him to “defend himself.”

Defending yourself when attacked isn’t always necessary as God is our real defender (Mathew 10:16-23). But depending on the circumstances, sometimes it is. In this case, it’s probably necessary because the psalmist was standing alone (e.g., like Paul defending himself in II Corinthians). Sometimes, the direct attacks of one’s character can only be answered by that person. No one could defend the psalmist, so he was forced into that position.

He starts his defense by saying, “My heart is not proud nor my eyes lofty.” The word “lofty” means “to look down upon someone.” It’s the person who looks down on others feeling superior. The psalmist says he’s neither of these things.

Also, the psalmist knew not to pry into things or meddle with things that weren’t his business. He knew the wrong of being speculative or conceited or nosy when it came to other people’s affairs.

You see, the prideful man makes everything his business. Why? Because a prideful man not only wants the information for himself but wants others to know he knows all about all. A humble man will not involve himself in matters that are not his own.

The psalmist adds, “Nor things too profound for me.” He knew the simple truth there is a God and he wasn’t Him. He knew there weren’t only some things which weren’t his business but other things he couldn’t understand at all, so why exhibit pride and try to understand everything God’s mind? If he were a truly humble man of God, he would allow the mysteries of God remain mysteries of God.

So, the psalmist stayed out of other people’s business that didn’t involve him and he allowed the wonders of God that were over His intelligence and understanding to remain there. The psalmist tried to keep himself from being too ambitious about certain matters.

Ambition is often a word used positively, but it can also be a manifestation of pride. When we allow ambition to take us beyond what God intends for us, we have sinned in our ambition.

A great example of this is David’s rise to the throne. David was promised the crown of Israel years before it came to fruition, but he was content to allow Saul to pursue him for 10 years while he ruled in the little city of Hebron until God was ready to put him on the throne. He did not allow his ambition to be king rule his actions and drive his pride.

Don’t allow your aspirations and ambitions to go crazy. That is one of the ways pride creeps into your life. Always stay within the confines of God’s commands and will. Don’t allow culture to preach to you that ambition is always a positive thing. Don’t believe things like your career is more important than you character or success is better than godliness or faithfulness.