Recognising the signs of false humility can enhance our understanding of genuine modesty and sincerity. 

    

    The Catholic Church, along with many saints throughout history, offers profound insights into the complex nature of humility. While genuine humility is a virtue that reflects a true understanding of one’s own worth and the acknowledgement of God’s grace, false humility often appears as an admirable trait. However, this disguise can stem from underlying issues such as pride, vanity, or a lack of self-awareness.
    False humility appears in different forms, often shown through self-deprecation that seeks praise from others or a reluctance to admit one’s skills and successes. Instead of promoting a spirit of service, it can turn into a subtle form of pride, where the person wants to be seen as humble but ends up drawing attention to themselves in another way. This behaviour might stem from a desire for approval or validation, creating a cycle of self-deception in which they believe they are humble, even though their actions tell a different story.
   Signs of false humility can include an exaggerated sense of selflessness, in which individuals may perform acts of charity or kindness in the expectation of recognition or praise. This facade not only hampers the individual’s spiritual growth but can also obstruct genuine relationships with others, as they become more preoccupied with appearances rather than authentic connections rooted in love and respect.
   The teachings of the Church encourage believers to pursue genuine humility, which involves a sincere recognition of their strengths and weaknesses, rooted in a relationship with God that promotes self-awareness and a true willingness to serve others without seeking personal gain or recognition. Through this understanding, individuals can maintain the delicate balance of humility, protecting themselves from the dangers of false humility that could lead them astray. Let us see some of the false humility. 

- Self-Deprecation That Rejects God’s Gifts
    Self-deprecation often involves actively denying, belittling, or diminishing the unique talents, abilities, or blessings that God has graciously granted to an individual. This mindset causes people to overlook or dismiss their own worth and the special gifts they possess, often leading them to insist they are unworthy or inadequate. Such a stance not only clouds one's self-perception but also hampers the ability to recognise the divine hand at work in one's life.
    True humility, in contrast, is marked by a heart full of gratitude. It recognises and celebrates the gifts given by God, seeing them as acts of love and generosity rather than burdens or sources of shame. Those who embody true humility view their unique talents and blessings as tools to serve others and glorify God, understanding that these gifts are not solely for personal gain but for a higher purpose: serving the community and the divine mission.
    False humility often causes people to downplay their talents, motivated by an unreasonable fear of pride or a strong wish to seem modest in others' eyes. This hesitation to recognise and accept one’s own abilities can obstruct personal development and reduce the likelihood of positively influencing others' lives.
    St. Teresa of Ávila sincerely expressed the essence of genuine humility when she said that “humility is walking in truth” in her well-known work, Interior Castle (VI, ch. 10). This idea implies that humility is not the denial of one's abilities, but rather an honest recognition of them within the framework of God’s greater plan. To deny or minimise the gifts given by God is to stray from this vital truth, creating a disconnect between one’s self-view and the reality that God has purposefully designed for each person. Embracing one’s gifts with gratitude not only honours God’s intentions but also opens the way for a closer relationship with Him and a more fulfilling life characterised by service to others.

- Seeking Praise for Being “Humble”
  The phenomenon of false humility is a complex and often misunderstood behaviour characterised by individuals who engage in self-deprecating talk or present themselves with an outwardly modest demeanour to attract admiration or validation from those around them. These individuals might intentionally downplay their achievements, portraying them as mere coincidences or attributing their successes to external circumstances. This behaviour is not motivated by a genuine sense of humility; rather, it represents a strategic manoeuvre aimed at gaining recognition for being humble. This subtle form of pride, masquerading as humility, reveals that the underlying motive is often the desire for human approval and admiration, overshadowing the intention to honour God. In these instances, the focus shifts from acknowledging God’s influence in their lives to an individual’s quest for acknowledgement and accolades.
    St. Benedict, one of the most esteemed monastic leaders of early Christianity, poignantly addresses the issue of false humility in his renowned "Rule", particularly in Chapter 7. He famously warns about the dangers of false humility, which can often be driven by a desire for self-promotion. St. Benedict emphasises that genuine humility involves a balanced acknowledgement of one’s talents and limitations, set within the framework of serving God and the community, rather than seeking personal glory or praise. This teaching reflects a wider Christian understanding that humility should draw individuals closer to God, rather than act as a mask for self-display.
    In a complementary way, Jesus criticised the Pharisees in the Gospel of Matthew (23:5–7), highlighting their ostentatious displays of humility that often conceal their deeper motives for seeking honour and prestige from others. Jesus points out their tendency to perform acts of piety openly to attract attention, emphasising that true humility involves redirecting focus towards God's work rather than indulging in personal vanity or seeking public admiration.

- Refusing Responsibilities or Good Works Out of Fear of Pride
    Individuals may feel hesitant or even outright refuse to accept leadership roles, engage in acts of service, or participate in charitable efforts, often under the belief that they are unworthy or incapable of fulfilling these responsibilities effectively. However, upon closer reflection, it becomes clear that their motivations may stem from cowardice, laziness, or an overwhelming fear of criticism and failure. This reluctance to take on roles that foster personal growth and service can sometimes appear as humility. Still, it is often rooted in self-preservation and the desire to avoid challenges.
    In stark contrast, genuine humility is naturally characterised by an open and trusting heart that eagerly responds to God’s calling, prompting individuals to accept responsibilities to glorify God through their actions and to dedicate themselves to His will. A genuinely humble person willingly engages in good works, even when faced with personal fears or feelings of inadequacy. They recognise that their strength does not come from themselves but is a gift from God, empowering them to step outside their comfort zones in the service of a higher purpose. Conversely, false humility may lead to a retreat into self-centredness, where individuals let their insecurities take precedence over the potential blessings that could arise through accepting greater responsibilities.
    St. Francis de Sales offers profound insights into this subject in his influential work, "Introduction to the Devout Life." In Part III, Chapter 5, he states that true humility should not be equated with shunning good works or avoiding opportunities to serve. Instead, true humility involves a deep recognition that any strength, ability, or talent possessed is ultimately a gift from God. As a result, a genuinely humble person acknowledges their unique capacity to positively contribute to the world in God’s name while maintaining an awareness of the divine source of their talents. This relationship fosters a spirit of service that enriches the individuals engaged in such acts and uplifts the community as a whole, ultimately bringing glory to God and fostering a broader understanding of humility in a spiritual and communal context.

- Excessive Concern with Appearances of Humility
   This phenomenon exemplifies individuals who exert excessive effort to project a manufactured image of humility to others. Such efforts may take various forms, including deliberately dressing in an unpretentious or even shabby manner, adopting a self-deprecating tone in conversations, or cultivating an outwardly meek demeanour that lacks confidence. However, it is essential to recognise that this presentation often serves a superficial purpose, emphasising how one is perceived rather than reflecting an authentic inner sense of humility. The actions taken in these cases are usually aimed at gaining external validation or recognition rather than stemming from a genuinely humble mindset.
    St. John Cassian, a notable figure in early Christian Monasticism, offers a meaningful warning in his influential work "Conferences" (XI). He cautions against those who foster a false sense of humility through their words and gestures, highlighting the spiritual danger of maintaining a proud heart while outwardly appearing modest. 

    This idea resonates strongly with the teachings of Jesus, especially in Matthew 6:16, where He addresses hypocrisy. He instructs His followers: “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites”. This scripture highlights the importance of sincerity and authenticity in one’s spiritual practices, urging believers to avoid acts of humility and self-denial that are performed solely for public perception or approval.

- Refusing Correction or Advice Under the Guise of Humility
    Another significant aspect of this false humility is seen in individuals who often assert, “I am nothing” or “I know nothing.” While at first glance, these expressions might seem to reflect modesty, they frequently serve as a cover that conveniently excuses rejecting constructive criticism or guidance from others. This behaviour reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of genuine humility.
    Authentic humility involves a sincere and active willingness to be open and receptive to the insights, feedback, and teachings of others. It fosters an environment for learning, personal reflection, and spiritual growth. Conversely, false humility can act as a misleading disguise for deep-rooted pride, allowing individuals to hide their reluctance to accept correction or advice behind modesty and self-effacement. This stubbornness not only blocks genuine personal development but also hinders meaningful progress on one’s personal and spiritual journey.
    St. Bernard of Clairvaux explores this complex issue in his work "On the Steps of Humility and Pride," where he describes the subtle traits of false humility. He notes that this kind of humility often hides a deep resistance to growth and a reluctance to change, all while pretending to be a noble display of modesty. 

    Additionally, the wisdom found in Proverbs 12:15 supports this idea, emphasising the importance of being receptive to guidance from others: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” This scripture makes it clear that true humility is not just about self-degradation but involves actively seeking, accepting, and engaging with the wisdom and knowledge provided by others, which is vital for both personal and spiritual development.

To Conclude
    False humility often presents itself as a cleverly concealed form of virtue that misleads individuals, diverting them from a genuine understanding of and alignment with God’s truth. Instead of fostering a sincere and heartfelt connection between the soul and the divine reality, false humility frequently distorts what it truly means to be humble, turning it into a self-serving pursuit. This distorted form can take many shapes, including an overwhelming desire for recognition and admiration from others, a tendency to downplay or deny the blessings and abilities given by God, or even the creation of a superficial façade of modesty designed to strengthen one’s own self-image and ego. In this manner, what might outwardly seem like humility can actually be a hidden attempt to elevate oneself in others' eyes, driven by an underlying need for validation.
    In contrast, genuine humility serves as a vital foundation for prayer and spiritual growth, a concept beautifully highlighted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Genuine humility starts with an honest acknowledgement of our inherent limitations and our deep-seated need for divine help. It is through this sincere recognition that we can develop a richer and more meaningful spiritual life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Humility is the foundation of prayer. Only when we humbly acknowledge that ‘we do not know how to pray as we ought,’ are we ready to freely receive the gift of prayer” (CCC 2559). This acknowledgement is not just a formality; it plays a crucial role in opening our hearts to the transformative power of divine grace, enabling us to engage earnestly and genuinely in our spiritual journey.

    By embracing genuine humility, we develop a deeper understanding of ourselves in relation to God and the world around us. This insight fosters an environment where prayer can thrive, enabling authentic spiritual growth. True humility prompts us to let go of our pride and defences, encouraging us to seek God with open hearts and minds. In doing so, we become more receptive to divine guidance and grace, which are vital for our spiritual development. Ultimately, genuine humility not only strengthens our relationship with God but also enriches our interactions with others, creating a ripple of compassion and understanding in our lives.

Dr Nicholas Macedon, OCD

Director, JJCIS

Jeeva Jyothi Carmelite Institute of Spirituality,

Old Gandarvakottai,

Pudukottai - 613301. 

Tamil Nadu, India 

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