Profound Humility
Job 40:4-5 When God asks who is able to correct the Almighty, Job responds with profound humility before God.
9/30/20262 min read
Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth. Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further. Job 40:4-5 (NKJV)
After revealing His omnipotence, the Lord God responds to Job, challenging him after Job questions God’s justice and actions, letting him know that anyone who disputes with God must be prepared to answer for his accusations. Job responds to God's request with profound humility, recognizing that questioning or defending himself is inadequate, and he symbolically covers his mouth to show submission and restraint. Job had previously questioned his suffering, but now he confronts the reality of God’s supreme authority. By saying he has “no answer,” Job demonstrates repentance, humility, and acknowledgment that human reasoning cannot fully grasp divine purposes.
As believers we can say we have humility, but then we say, look at the car I bought, look at job and house that I have: I am a self-made man, or I am a self-made woman. What part of you did God not make. It is when we realize how broken we are and what Jesus did for us on the cross that we can have profound humility before God. In Luke 18:13-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector: “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” The tax collector knew he was broken and showed true humility before God.
Choose a spirit of humility before God, shown through a heart of submission, self-reflection, service, and reliance on His guidance rather than seeking personal recognition. Instead of saying, "look at all I have done," say, "look at all the Lord has done for me." Begin with recognizing God’s sovereignty and your own limitations, confessing your sins to God. Acknowledge wrongdoing without excuses or defensiveness, receiving feedback and correction graciously, even when it is difficult. Cultivate a humble posture in prayer, regularly reviewing your thoughts, actions, and motives, surrendering them to God. By focusing on God, seeing your own personal limitations, and admitting you are broken and need your Savior, Jesus Christ, the path to profound humility will be achieved.