Character Traits... Humility

HUMILITY

We will take a look at various character traits; starting with humility.

The classic work, Orchot Tzaddikim, the ways of the righteous, lists six ways to recognise one who is truly humble.

Let us take the classic example. Someone is humiliated by his fellow. This could be either in a verbal manner, or that his fellow did something. E.g. insulted him, or even poured a bucket of water over him. The person has a golden opportunity to take revenge against his adversary, but he controls his emotions (of anger), and forgives the offender for the sake of God. This is the sign of true humility. (However, there are occasions in which such humiliation is forbidden to forgive, e.g. when the honour of the Torah or God is at stake).
Another example, as drawn by a verse in Vayikra, Leviticus. Let us say, that God forbid, one suffers a great loss. E.g. one's children, or relatives pass away. If nevertheless, he accepts God's judgement with love, this is considered humility. We learn this from the case of Aaron, the high priest. After the untimely death of his two sons; Nadav and Avihu, he "was silent". He could have cried out and challenged God's judgement, since Nadav and Avihu were greater than he and Moshe, and were the future leaders of the Jewish people. In fact, their death came as a result of their striving to come closer to God. Nevertheless, "Aaron was silent", he accepted the decision. This is indication of the great humility and submission to Hashem's will inherent in this.
If one hears others praising him for his wisdom and good deeds. One can either rejoice on this; it may even be true and deserved. But if one is convinced that his deeds still fall far short of what their potential is, this is true humility. The same goes for negative deeds, which one admits to and does not attempt to exonerate himself over them
If one is blessed from God to have wealth, wisdom and good children. If one has the response of being convinced that he is undeserving of such blessings; this is an indication of true humility. We learn this from our patriarch Abraham, when he was told about God's plans for the wicked city of Sodom, which is a great honour to be kept in the loop by God; he responds by stating that he is nothing but "dust and ashes".
If one commits harm to another person; either by speech or action; and does not wait to be reproached but comes on his own volition; this is a sign of humility, that he is willed to be degraded for his misdeed; and of course to ask for forgiveness from the other party.
One who does not seek luxuries, but is content when one's needs is satisfied, and not seek unnecessarily beautiful or expensive clothes and furnishing. His manner is gentle and he speaks softly. This is a sign of humility, the opposite of arrogance.

These guidelines serve as the tools one needs to strive for true humility. Through this we can "ascend the ladder by one can ascend to emulate the ways of God", which is the culmination of God's creation of man "in His image".

In memory of my grandfather, whose "Yahrzeit" anniversary of his death is today. Whilst having an enormous in-depth knowledge of the Talmud, he maintained his humility and never boasted or used his knowledge to his personal gain. This led to his universal respect from all types of Jews, and any praises which he never let get to his head and shunned all credit and honour that was awarded to him.