A proverb states: "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18). The central feature of pride is enmity. Enmity, or animosity, may be pitted against persons or groups in society. Through selfishness, greed and envy, the enmity of pride leads to contentions and strife, causing divisions and factions, thus destroying unity. Humility, gratitude and camaraderie serve as primary antidotes to dispel pride.

A psychological viewpoint: As difficult, and as fraught with danger as it is, the spiritual challenge man to let go all that he thinks he knows, so that a much deeper wisdom might emerge. This wisdom is one that will be born, not of having definitive answers, but rather of being willing to live with questions that cannot be answered. Out of this shift in perspective, can come a powerful humility, a profound sense of compassion for the struggle of others to find their own answers, an openness to truth in whatever shape it happens to come, and access to the very core of Life's deepest mysteries.

Definition of the virtue: The state or quality of being humble of mind or spirit; having or showing a consciousness of one's defects or shortcomings; modest. Note: This does not mean the absence of self-confidence or the absence of knowledge that each of us has great worth.We sometimes confuse humility with a lack of self-esteem. Humility is not falsely demeaning oneself. Humility can be manifested in a meek giant. Selfish pride is the opposite of humility. There is nothing more disgusting than the preening beauty queen or the boastful behemoth. The very best example of humility is when a powerful King takes on the role of a servant. Imagine the difference in Pearsall if more people were ready to "wash one another's feet" - and were less inclined to demand that all others serve them. The attitude of self-effacement, strength in meekness, and the heart of a servant - these things will make our children strong, confident, and capable as they meet a sometimes hostile world.