Honor

Honor in the biblical context is a multifaceted concept that encompasses respect, esteem, and reverence. It is both a virtue to be cultivated and a recognition to be bestowed upon others. The Bible frequently addresses the importance of honoring God, parents, authorities, and fellow human beings.

1. Honor to God: The ultimate honor is due to God, as He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The Bible commands believers to honor God with their lives, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness. Proverbs 3:9 states, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest." This verse emphasizes that honoring God involves not only words but also actions, including the stewardship of resources.

2. Honor to Parents: The command to honor one's parents is one of the Ten Commandments and is reiterated in the New Testament. Exodus 20:12 instructs, "Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment underscores the importance of family structure and respect for parental authority.

3. Honor to Authorities: The Bible teaches that governing authorities are established by God and should be honored accordingly. Romans 13:1-7 discusses the believer's responsibility to submit to authorities, stating in verse 7, "Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due."

4. Honor to Others: Believers are called to honor all people, recognizing the inherent dignity of each individual as created in the image of God. 1 Peter 2:17 exhorts, "Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." This verse encapsulates the broad scope of honor, extending it to all relationships.

Humility

Humility is a foundational Christian virtue that involves a modest view of one's own importance and a recognition of one's dependence on God. It is often juxtaposed with pride, which the Bible consistently warns against.

1. Humility Before God: Humility begins with a proper understanding of one's position before God. James 4:10 encourages believers, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This verse highlights the paradox of humility in the Christian life: lowering oneself before God leads to exaltation by Him.

2. Humility in Relationships: The Bible calls for humility in interpersonal relationships, urging believers to consider others above themselves. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage points to Christ as the ultimate example of humility.

3. Humility as Wisdom: Humility is closely associated with wisdom in the Scriptures. Proverbs 11:2 states, "When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom." This proverb contrasts the outcomes of pride and humility, linking humility with the acquisition of true wisdom.

4. Humility and Service: Jesus exemplified humility through His life and teachings, particularly in His acts of service. In John 13:14-15, after washing His disciples' feet, Jesus said, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you." This act of service underscores the call to humility through serving others.

In summary, honor and humility are intertwined virtues that reflect a life aligned with biblical principles. Honor involves giving due respect and esteem to God and others, while humility requires a selfless attitude and recognition of one's dependence on God. Together, they form a foundation for righteous living and harmonious relationships.