Humility and Courage

“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11 Often, we don’t connect “humility” and “courage,” but for a believer, these qualities work quietly together, sometimes hidden beneath the surface. This powerful and subtle blend is a theme in 1 Samuel, seen in the stories of Prophet Samuel, King Saul, and King David. Before focusing on King David, let’s consider King Saul, his predecessor. When Israel wanted a king, they turned away from God’s direct rule in favor of a worldly ruler. God granted their request by giving them King Saul—a man who was tall, handsome, and seemed to have it all. However, Saul’s fatal flaw was his pride. Throughout Saul’s reign, God gave him multiple opportunities to prove himself, but Saul repeatedly failed. It became clear that God was not impressed by outward appearances; He saw that Saul’s