The Beauty of Humility

Humility is always attractive and is a sure sign of maturity. There is a connection between wisdom and trials. Most wisdom is gained by experience, and that experience is often in the form of learning how NOT to do something. We might say that wisdom is applied knowledge. It's not just what we know but also how we know it, how well we know it, and how that knowledge stands in relationship to the other things we know (or need to know).

“…And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment, because for every matter there is a time and judgment…” ―Ecclesiastes 8:5-6

Note also that James says the gaining of wisdom will require patience i.e., if a man is to be brought to maturity. This is one of the reasons why the smartest and the brightest people are not always the wisest. They come to trust their own abilities and strengths rather than their weaknesses. But God tells us,

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” [And Paul responds] Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” ―2 Corinthains 12:9-10

And, this is why the Scriptures warn: 

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” ―Proverbs 3:7

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” ―Proverbs 12:15

Wisdom transcends knowledge just as it transcends beauty or charm—they are very different things.

“Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” ―1 Corinthians 8:1-2

“A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.” ―Proverbs 12:23

Since wisdom is related to experience, young people might be more tempted to express a lack of wisdom (and even arrogance), and to exalt themselves beyond their own ability. This is not simply my assessment, but it is the assessment of God’s Word as it addresses the special temptations of youth.

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” ―1 Peter 5:5-6