The Bible consistently highlights the significance of humility and the often-overlooked individuals in God's redemptive plan. Throughout Scripture, God chooses to work through those who may not be esteemed by worldly standards, demonstrating His power and wisdom.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: Initially a fugitive and shepherd, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his own self-doubt and perceived inadequacies, God assured him, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). Moses' humility is further exemplified in Numbers 12:3, which states, "Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth."

2. David: The youngest son of Jesse, David was overlooked by his own family when Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel. Yet, God saw his heart, declaring, "The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). David's humble beginnings as a shepherd boy did not hinder his rise to become a man after God's own heart.

3. Ruth: A Moabite widow, Ruth's loyalty and humility led her to become the great-grandmother of King David. Her account is a testament to how God honors faithfulness and humility, as Boaz acknowledges, "May the LORD reward your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge" (Ruth 2:12).

New Testament Examples

1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: A young, humble woman from Nazareth, Mary was chosen to bear the Son of God. Her response to the angel Gabriel reflects her humility and submission to God's will: "I am the Lord’s servant... May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Her Magnificat further reveals her understanding of God's preference for the humble: "He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble" (Luke 1:52).

2. The Disciples: Jesus chose ordinary men, many of whom were fishermen, to be His closest followers and the foundation of the early Church. Their lack of social status or formal education did not prevent them from being used mightily by God. Acts 4:13 notes, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus."

3. The Apostle Paul: Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul became one of the most influential apostles. He recognized his own weaknesses and the sufficiency of God's grace, writing, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Theological Insights

The Bible teaches that God often chooses the humble and overlooked to accomplish His purposes, confounding the wisdom of the world. This principle is encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29: "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence" .

Humility is a virtue that God values highly, as seen in James 4:6, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" . The role of the humble and overlooked in Scripture serves as a reminder that God's ways are not our ways, and His plans often unfold through those who are willing to submit to His will, regardless of their status or recognition by the world.