Humility is a virtue that is often misunderstood. The fact that it has been so misunderstood and at times used to oppress or silence others has given humility a rather bad name. True humility is not becoming a doormat for others and it certainly does not mean hiding one’s talents or becoming invisible. It is not a legitimate tool to safeguard the status quo or the various forms of power.

Sirach gives us some very useful hints about its true nature: humility means living in gratitude and truth rather than the false world created by one’s ego. Humble people are comfortable in their own skin — they have a good sense of self-worth and a realistic awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. Rather than having their minds set on getting to the top at the expense of others or being number one, service to others, the common good and making a contribution are their guiding principles. They strive to improve and do their best but do not confuse humility with merely shutting one’s mouth or remembering to remain in a subservient position. Being perpetual seekers, they are always eager to expand their awareness and learn new things. Above all, they recognize that we own nothing — all is gift — so they are profoundly grateful to God.

The “proud,” on the other hand, live out a false sense of self that their own egos have created. The ego is driven by fear that is often masked in arrogance and aggression. Those who are enslaved to the ego — the proud — are insecure and anxious to protect the false self from the intrusion of reality and truth. When their self-centred world comes crashing down — as it usually does — they are ill-equipped to deal with it. Sirach’s message grates against the competitive and selfish elements of modern culture: we define ourselves by achievement with “number one” and “world class” easily becoming mantras. Self-help books and their attendant gurus can give people a very inflated sense of their uniqueness, abilities and destiny. A healthy and balanced humility would be a helpful guidepost for navigating our chaotic and aggressive world.

The Letter to the Hebrews even describes the heavenly realm in rather humble terms. Rather than the riot of colour, noise, music and awe that we usually associate with the holy, the author of Hebrews is content with a couple of simple terms to describe life in the heavenly court: Mount Zion and the heavenly Jerusalem. This is the assembly of those who have left ego and selfishness behind in order to live in perfect harmony with the Creator.

Jesus used the banquet or meal, which was an important social interaction in the ancient world, to illustrate the application and importance of humility. He noticed how people jockeyed for position at the banquet, a form of self-promotion that is still very evident in our own time. They wanted to be close to the places of honour and power. Jesus exhorted His disciples to unplug from the entire social system by choosing the lessor honourable or important places. If they are meant to “go higher” and be honoured, it will come of its own accord and should be a pleasant and unexpected surprise. In a second example, He insisted that invitations to table should go to those who had no status or honour in society: the poor, crippled, lame and blind — those often regarded with contempt or indifference. In short: don’t invite anyone who can pay you back or further your reputation or career. Delight the hearts of those who never get invited anywhere.

Thinking of others rather than oneself is the cornerstone of righteousness. Unfortunately, competitiveness and self-promotion are widespread and flourishing in most areas of human activity — in politics, science, economics, education and even religion. Jesus presented His followers with very clear-cut counter-cultural principles geared to transforming people, societies and civilizations. Over the centuries, however, far too many Christians have felt far too comfortable in the anti-spiritual values of surrounding cultures. Other people can never become a means to our own ends, nor can they be labelled and treated in ways that reflect material values. As Jesus assured His disciples on several occasions, those who give away power, privilege and honour are the ones who will be exalted and honoured in God’s kingdom.