The Bible says of humility in Proverbs 22:4, “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” Let’s examine intellectual humility and what it means to us as leaders.
Intellectual humility acknowledges that there are limitations to our knowledge. Humility says, “I could be wrong.” When we function with intellectual humility, we truly listen to others’ insights because we know that we are not all-knowing. An intellectually humble person is not a weak person, always doubting themselves and unsure of what they believe. Instead they have deep beliefs and convictions and are always open to reexamining them.
Humble yet confident leaders are the ones we love to follow. But do humility and confidence contradict one another?
Confidence is the feeling or belief that we can rely on someone or something. So then, can I rely on myself if I exercise intellectual humility, always questioning myself? The answer is yes. It is because I always question myself, relooking and refining my assumptions, that I can have confidence in what I believe.
Humility—which says, “I could be wrong, let me reexamine this”—and confidence—which says, “since I am always refining my thinking, I can trust myself”—are a powerful pair! Growing in both enhances the character of a leader.
Humility gives us a sweet aroma of grace and consistently positions us to be more wise. May the Lord help us to walk in genuine humility.
