In his magnificent work Mesilat Yesharim (The Path of the Just), Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal) dedicates several chapters to the virtue of humility. Following are ten significant teachings from his writings:
Humility is reflected in one’s behavior by speaking gently and respectfully, sitting among the general public rather than seeking a place of honor, accepting insults without retaliation, avoiding positions of power and honor, and showing respect to every individual. A humble person recognizes the value of others, not only their own.
One who desires to acquire humility must first internalize it mentally before acting on it practically. As he states: “First, a person must be humble in thought, and only then behave in the ways of the humble. For if he is not humble in his mind and only seeks to appear humble through actions, he is merely one of those false and pretentious humble individual- hypocrites, of whom there is nothing worse in the world.”
He further elaborates on how to foster humility within: “Whatever one lacks- whether in character, family background, experiences, or actions (since ‘there is no righteous person on earth who does only good and never sins’)- these flaws alone are enough to prevent arrogance, even if he possesses many virtues.”
He continues to say “Wisdom is one of the main causes of pride because it is an internal excellence of the intellect. Yet even the wisest err and often need to learn from peers and even students. So how can one boast of wisdom? True intellect recognizes there is no room for arrogance. Just as a bird flies by its nature, a strong ox pulls due to its design, so too a wise man’s mind simply functions according to its natural capacity. If someone else had the same intellectual nature, they too would be wise. Having wisdom obligates one to teach others, not to feel superior.”
“Even the wisest and most accomplished, if they think deeply, will realize they have no reason for pride, as their other shortcomings- inevitable in all humans- still render them lowly. And even if there are no other flaws, the mere fact of being flesh and blood, is itself humbling.”
“What is it like? It is like servants in a household, each assigned a task to fulfill the home’s needs. There’s no place for pride, for each simply performs their duty.”
He outlines four practical aspects of humility in action: “We have discussed humility of thought; now let’s explore humility in practice. It consists of four elements: modest conduct, accepting insult, avoiding authority and honor, and giving honor to all.”
On modest behavior, he writes: “This should be apparent in speech, walking, sitting, and all movement. In speech, our Sages taught: ‘Let a person always speak gently with others.’ In walking, do not walk with a haughty posture or heavy steps, but modestly as anyone on their daily way. In sitting, choose a seat among the humble, not the exalted.”
The second element is tolerating insult. The Talmud says: “To whom does G-d forgive sins? To those who overlook offenses.” And elsewhere: “Those who are insulted but do not insult in return, who hear their disgrace but do not respond- they are compared to the rising sun in its strength.”
The third: avoiding authority and fleeing from honor. Ramchal cites the Mishnah: “Love work and despise authority.” He writes: “Honor is vanity that clouds judgment and distances a person from their obligations. One who understands this will naturally reject honor. The praise of men will burden them.”
The fourth element is honoring every person. As the Mishnah teaches: “Who is honored? One who honors others.”
Ramchal emphasizes the greatness of humility: “Our Sages said: ‘How great are the lowly of spirit. When the Temple stood, one who brought an offering received reward for that offering. But one whose spirit is humble is credited as if he had brought all offerings,’ as it is written: ‘The sacrifices of G-d are a broken spirit.’ This praises those who are humble in heart and thought.”
It’s important to remember that G-d dwells with the humble and broken-hearted. “For thus says the High and Exalted One, who lives forever and whose name is holy: I dwell in a high and holy place, but also with the contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15). The book of Proverbs also states that humility leads to many blessings: “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches, honor, and life.”
