False Humility by John Nevins Andrews

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 15, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 24.

False Humility

By John Nevins Andrews

THIS is one of the worst forms of pride. Persons under this deception suppose themselves very humble and lowly in heart. In fact, they really believe that they are far in advance of their brethren in all that renders men acceptable in the sight of God. Under this impression, people become proud of their humility.

If there were one particle of honesty or frankness to sin, we should not so often fall into it. But sin deceives us. That is its very nature. The deceitfulness of sin is that which makes it so dangerous an adversary. Sin is the eldest born of Satan. He is the archdeceiver. Deception is his business. Cheating is an art which he has carried to the highest perfection.

Nothing but fraud and guile can proceed from such a source. Though the prince of darkness, he can transform himself into an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14. And such is his skill in beguiling men, that he is able to give to pride the outward form of humility, and to make it, many times, pass for this excellent grace.

That kind of humility is often manifested in acts of austerity or apparent self-denial, for the purpose of securing the attention or approval of others. Sometimes it is shown in the wearing of mean and slovenly apparel, that thereby one's humility may be declared. But all these acts of apparent humility are performed to gratify the pride of a self-righteous heart, or to receive the approval of those whose good opinion is specially desired.

One test generally if not invariably distinguishes false humility from that which is genuine. One can bear reproof, the other cannot. One is grateful for correction, the other is altogether too holy to allow of any such treatment of its exalted piety.

Another almost universal test is found in the fact that spurious humility seeks by word and act to draw men's attention to itself, but that which is genuine would hide from every eye but God's. “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” Prov. 20:6.—J. N. Andrews.