Humility According to St. Benedict


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St. Benedict in his Rule places a lot of emphasis on humility. In fact, he enumerates 12 steps to achieving true humility. Some of them seem rather harsh, but the emphasis is really on knowing one's place in the sight of God.

Benedict says the first step of humility "is that one keeps the fear of God always before one's eyes." If  we revere God, we will know our rightful place in this world. On the other hand, if we think we are in control, we become proud and see no need for God..

Embracing suffering and enduring it without weakening or seeking escape is another step of humility. We are reminded by Paul  to unite our sufferings with the sufferings of Christ, to "bear with false brothers, endure persecution, and bless those who curse them."

To be "content with the lowest and most menial treatment" is the sixth step of humility. Most of us want the best  treatment, thinking we are better than others who don't try as hard as we do. Truly humble persons are not filled with their own importance.

The ninth step of humility is to control one's tongue. In the Book of Proverbs we are warned that "in a flood of words you will not avoid sinning." St. Benedict valued silence in his monks and condemned gossip and idle talk.

Speaking gently and seriously without boisterous laughter is the eleventh step of humility. This is the demeanor of one who is intent on seeking God and being kind to others.

The last step is to show humility in one's manner no matter where one is. It is an inward quality as well as an outward manifestation.

These are wise words about humility, but it takes a lifetime "to arrive at that perfect love of God which casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). A truly humble person is attentive to God's voice in all his/her actions and thinks of others before him/herself. It is the daily striving that is important.

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