Benefits of Humility

There is a section in “Duties of the Heart,” that discusses the importance of acquiring humility. This applies in our service of Hashem, as well as our interaction with our fellow man.

This section ends with a description of the benefits that a humble person has in this world. If a person is humble, he attaches no special importance to himself. Whatever he attains in this world suffices him for his sustenance and other needs.

This gives him peace of mind and diminishes anxiety. He eats what is available, wears what he finds, and is content with very few worldly goods, because of his humility.

As for a proud person, the whole world cannot fulfill his needs, due to his inflated ambition. Pride and self importance destroy a person.

Being happy with one’s on lot, is a key to peace of mind and humility. Competitiveness and jealousy have the opposite effect. They prevent a person from being happy, because they are always looking at the possessions of others.

It is clear that a great deal of work goes into achieving humility. But the benefits and rewards are so great, that it is well worth the effort to try to achieve true humility.