The Power of Humility: How Awareness and Small Deeds Can Change the World

One Rosh Hashanah, the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement cried intensely during his prayers. Suddenly, however, his face lit up with a wide smile, and he continued praying with joy.

His students were astonished and asked for an explanation. The Baal Shem Tov told them that a harsh decree had been issued against the Jewish people in the heavenly courts. His tears were an attempt to overturn it, but at first, he was not successful. Then, he saw in the spiritual realms that a prayer had risen — a prayer so pure and simple that it silenced all the heavenly accusers and reached the Throne of Glory.

It was the prayer of a humble shepherd, an uneducated man who could not read or write. All he knew were the Hebrew letters, the Alef-Bet. Standing before God, he said: “Master of the Universe, You know that I cannot pray properly. All I know are the letters of the alphabet. I will say them before You, and You, in Your mercy, arrange them into a prayer that is acceptable to You.”

The man then began reciting the Alef-Bet, with tears and a pure heart. That simple act of sincerity shook the heavens, and because of it, the decree was annulled.

The Baal Shem Tov concluded by saying that the shepherd’s prayer was more effective than his own.

True Value Is Not Always What It Seems

God values effort and sincerity more than outward appearances.

• If you have been blessed with wealth and donate generously to your synagogue, while your neighbor gives only a small coin with great difficulty, do not feel superior. His small gift may be a far greater sacrifice, and in God’s eyes, it may carry more weight than your large donation.

• If you think you are wiser or more righteous than your spouse, remember that your livelihood and blessings may actually come in her merit. Her simple faith and good deeds may be more beloved in Heaven than your intellectual achievements.

• If you see someone poorly dressed, not observant, or behaving improperly, resist the urge to judge. Had you been born in his circumstances, with his struggles and soul, you might have fared far worse.

Lessons for Parents

Children are naturally playful and mischievous. If your child sometimes ignores you, misbehaves, or neglects homework, remember that you probably did the same as a child. If hey push boundaries more than most, it may simply be the soul they were given. Be patient — they are still learning to grow beyond it.

Lessons for Wives

If your husband struggles financially, is not a Torah scholar, or lacks the qualities you dreamed of, do not think you could have done better. Such thoughts are considered arrogance, and arrogance is despised by God: “Every proud heart is an abomination to the Lord” (Mishlei 16:5).

Perhaps your husband is already doing more than he is capable of, and each small act he accomplishes brings great joy in Heaven. In fact, your home’s blessings may come in his merit rather than yours.

The Essence of True Humility

Never look down on another person or feel superior, and keep in mind the following truths:

1. If you had been given their soul, you might have achieved less.

2. If you had grown up in their environment, you might have become worse.

3. In God’s measure (the true measure), a person is judged by how much of their potential they use. Someone else may do little compared to you, yet if they are using all of their potential, they may be considered greater in Heaven than you, even if you do much more.

Strengthen Humility Through Faith

Study verses and sayings of the Sages that praise humility and condemn arrogance.

• “Now the man Moshe was very humble, more than any person on earth” (Bamidbar 12:3).

• “I am but dust and ashes” (Bereishit 18:27), said Avraham.

• “I am a worm, not a man, scorned by people” (Tehillim 22:7), said David Hamelech (King David).

Avraham, Moshe, and David were all defined by humility and paved the way for all of us.

Verses and Teachings on Humility

• “God shows favor to the humble” (Mishlei 3:34).

• “The house of the proud He will destroy” (Mishlei 15:25).

• “Pride goes before destruction” (Mishlei 16:18).

• “A man’s pride will bring him low, but honor will uphold the humble in spirit” (Mishlei 29:23).

• “The Lord guides the humble in justice” (Tehillim 25:9).

• “Before honor comes humility” (Mishlei 15:33).

• Rabbi Levitas taught: “Be very, very humble, for the end of man is decay” (Avot 4:4).

• The Sages also said: “Jealousy, lust, and honor remove a person from the world” (Avot 4:21).

• Arrogance is like idol-worship (Talmud, Sotah 4b).

• The arrogant will not rise at the resurrection (Sotah 5a).

• Redemption will not come until arrogance is removed from Israel (Sanhedrin 98a).

Remember Who You Really Are

The Sages taught: “Know from where you came: from a putrid drop. Know where you are going: to a place of dust, worms, and decay. And know before Whom you will give judgment: before the King of kings, the Holy One, blessed be He” (Pirkei Avot 3:1).

If we recall our mistakes, our failures, and the times wisdom eluded us, it becomes clear that arrogance has no place.

The essence of humility is understanding that we are no better than anyone else. God alone knows the true value of each person’s effort. By embracing humility, we draw grace, blessings, and true honor into our lives.