HUMILITY VERSUS ARROGANCE
- Ds. Hennie van Rooyen
- Jul 16, 2018
- 2 min read

I have recently thought about the difference between humility and arrogance or pride. The question remains with me and I constantly contemplate on: Why humility yields better results than being arrogant or pride?
The message from the Bible concerning this topic is very clear, that God prefers an attitude of humility and that it brings us joy. Proverbs 18 verse 12 reads: "Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honour." However, it does not seem that it is a value or virtue that the world puts in high regard.
But the biblical truth is clear: Arrogance holds you back. Humility propels you forward.
It takes courage to be humble, that it why it's so difficult for most people. Courage is the willingness and ability to fail and to try again; Haughtiness has the need to appear being perfect, so it always plays safe. It will not try unless success is guaranteed. Arrogance fear and reject failure. Humility accepts responsibility for failure and keeps trying.
Arrogant people are being foolish and they learn slowly, if ever. They do not accept advice because they seem to always know the best. They hardly have the ability to being taught. Humble people learn from their failures, in order to improve their behaviour and gain insight. Arrogant people repeat inefficient behaviour and blame others for their own failures.
People who are humble accept direction and guidance because they listen. This is the opposite with people who are arrogant they do not listen. Haughtiness in people causes them to point their fingers to others. Humble people accept responsibility and growth. Growth becomes nearly impossible if you do not accept responsibility.
Humble people respect and appreciate others. They can easily work together in teams and contribute their abilities in congregations and organizations. Humble people associate with others and honour their talents. People who are self-important stand on their own and feel threatened when others are successful. They prefer to isolate themselves or to sit on the pavilion to criticize. To really grow a humble attitude demands courage, boldness and bravery. The beliefs and practices of the humble are: Learning, listening, courage, investing in relationships and assuming responsibility for your own attitude and actions.
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