Have you ever wondered what true humility really looks like? Not the kind that puts you down or hides your gifts, but the kind that reflects God’s heart? One of the most famous quotes about humility comes from the beloved Christian author C S Lewis, who once said:
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
This short but powerful statement has changed how millions of Christians view humility. But what did Lewis really mean? How does his view align with Scripture? And how can we live out this truth in our daily walk with Christ?
Let’s explore the meaning behind this quote, understand its biblical foundation, and uncover how humility draws us closer to God and others.
What Did C S Lewis Say About Humility?
C S Lewis’s definition of humility reveals a deep understanding of both human nature and God’s design for character.
When he said humility is not thinking less of yourself, he meant that being humble does not mean pretending you have no value. You were created in God’s image, and that makes you precious and loved.
However, thinking of yourself less shifts the focus from self-centeredness to others-centered love. It is about freeing your heart from pride, comparison, and the need for recognition so you can focus on serving, loving, and glorifying God.
Humility, according to Lewis, is not self-hatred. It is self-forgetfulness. It is when your confidence comes from who you are in Christ, not from the applause or opinions of others.
That kind of humility makes your spirit light and your relationships healthy.
What Is a Famous Quote About Humility?
There are many famous quotes about humility, but few have the clarity and warmth of C S Lewis’s words. His quote continues to inspire because it makes humility feel both attainable and beautiful.
Here are a few other quotes that echo the same spirit:
-
“True humility is not thinking meanly of yourself; it is not thinking of yourself at all.” — William Temple
-
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” — Proverbs 22:4
-
“The higher we are placed, the more humbly we should walk.” — Cicero
Each of these points to the same truth: humility is not about weakness. It is about strength under control, guided by love and reverence for God.
What Was Carl Lewis's Famous Quote?
This might surprise some readers, but there is often confusion between C S Lewis and Carl Lewis. Carl Lewis is the Olympic track and field athlete, not the Christian author.
Carl Lewis is known for saying, “If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.”
While that quote focuses on confidence in sports, it interestingly complements C S Lewis’s message about humility. Both confidence and humility can coexist.
As believers, we are called to be confident in who God made us to be, but humble enough to recognize that our strength and success come from Him.
Did C S Lewis Believe in Inerrancy?
C S Lewis respected Scripture deeply and believed it to be the inspired Word of God. However, his views on biblical inerrancy were more nuanced than those of some modern theologians.
Lewis saw the Bible as completely trustworthy in revealing God’s truth, His character, and His plan of salvation. But he also believed that some human elements of language and culture were present in the writing.
That means while Lewis trusted every message of Scripture, he also recognized that human authors expressed divine truth in their own words and contexts.
Still, Lewis’s writings consistently affirm that the Bible carries divine authority. He often said that to know God and understand life, we must look through the lens of Scripture.
Did Martin Luther Believe in Inerrancy?
Martin Luther, the great Reformer, strongly believed in the authority of Scripture. His famous declaration, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God,” shows his confidence in the Bible’s truth.
However, Luther also focused on the message of salvation by faith rather than on every scientific or historical detail. For him, the power of Scripture was in its message about Christ.
Both Luther and Lewis remind us that humility plays a role in how we approach Scripture. We read not to argue, but to be transformed.
When we come to the Bible with a humble heart, we allow God to teach, correct, and renew us.
Did C S Lewis Think Jesus Was God?
Yes. C S Lewis was very clear about this.
In Mere Christianity, Lewis made one of the most famous arguments for the divinity of Christ, known as the “Liar, Lunatic, or Lord” argument. He wrote that Jesus could not have been just a good moral teacher.
If Jesus claimed to be God, then only three options exist:
-
He was lying.
-
He was delusional.
-
He was truly God.
Lewis concluded that the only reasonable choice is that Jesus is Lord.
This belief shaped all of Lewis’s writing. His quote about humility flows naturally from this conviction. Jesus Himself modeled perfect humility. Though He was God, He chose to serve, to wash feet, and to die for sinners.
That is the example we are called to follow.
Is Biblical Inerrancy True?
Biblical inerrancy means that Scripture, in its original form, is completely true and free from error in everything it affirms.
For centuries, Christians have debated how to define this idea. But regardless of interpretation, what remains clear is that the Bible is divinely inspired and completely trustworthy in revealing God’s plan.
Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.”
Humility teaches us to accept God’s Word as it is, even when it challenges our understanding.
C S Lewis’s approach helps us see that faith is not about knowing everything perfectly. It is about trusting perfectly in the One who does.
Which Bible Did C S Lewis Read?
C S Lewis primarily read the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. He also used the Revised Standard Version (RSV) for deeper study and academic writing.
The beauty of the King James Bible deeply influenced his style of writing. You can hear its rhythm and poetry in his books.
Lewis valued reading the Bible devotionally, not just intellectually. He often encouraged believers to let Scripture soak into their hearts.
For him, reading the Bible was not just about gaining knowledge, but about meeting the living Word, Jesus Christ.
How C S Lewis’s Quote on Humility Applies Today
In a world driven by self-promotion, likes, and personal branding, humility can feel old-fashioned. But Lewis’s quote reminds us that humility is not weakness; it is freedom.
When you stop obsessing over yourself, you find peace. You stop competing, comparing, and constantly proving your worth. You start seeing others with compassion and grace.
A humble person listens more, forgives quicker, and serves joyfully.
True humility reflects Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
This verse captures the essence of Lewis’s quote. Humility is not about self-pity. It is about shifting your focus from self to service, from pride to purpose.
A Real-Life Example of Humility
A young woman once shared how she learned humility after losing her job. She had always tied her value to her position and achievements. But during her season of unemployment, she turned to God in prayer and Scripture.
One morning, she read C S Lewis’s quote about humility. It changed her perspective.
She realized that humility was not about being less valuable but about trusting God to define her worth. Over time, God opened new doors, not just for her career, but for her spiritual growth.
Her story shows that humility is the soil where faith grows.
How to Practice Humility Daily
Here are a few ways to cultivate true humility in your everyday life:
-
Start your day with gratitude. Thank God for who He is and for His blessings.
-
Serve quietly. Look for opportunities to help others without seeking recognition.
-
Listen before you speak. Humility values understanding over being right.
-
Confess quickly. Admit when you are wrong and make things right.
-
Study the life of Jesus. His humility is your greatest example.
Each small act of humility makes your heart softer and your spirit stronger.
A Prayer for Humility
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that true humility comes from knowing who I am in You. Teach me to think of myself less and to love others more. Help me walk in the humility of Christ, serve with joy, and glorify You in everything I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Reflection
C S Lewis’s quote on humility is timeless because it points us back to Jesus.
When we stop thinking of ourselves and start focusing on God’s love and others’ needs, life becomes lighter. We begin to see people not as competition but as God’s children.
Humility does not make you less; it makes you more like Christ.
So the next time you feel tempted to prove your worth, remember this quote and breathe:
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
That is where peace and true greatness are found.
Post a Comment