Simple book. Not much profound in it. Other books on humility are more pointed. Did provide some helpful nuggets on the Beatitudes. ( )

excellent book! I'm gonna make this a regular reread! saturated in scripture ( )

I only discovered Jerry Bridges relatively recently whilst working as a missionary in the Philippines. Since then I have read many of his books and found some of them invaluable. I was sad to learn that the author died last year, but his legacy will surely live on.

The Blessing of Humility follows Bridges' usual style--simple Gospel truths highlighting the practical application. He works through the Beatitudes demonstrating that humility is found in those who faithfully exercise them. Bridges states that they are Jesus' pattern for humility in action. He points out that a humble person will naturally be counter-cultural because society instead values self-esteem and elevation of the individual. He explains true humility in the light of Scripture.

Bridges concludes that the truly humble person

-is poor in spirit
-mourns over his or her sin
-is meek towards God and other people
-hungers and thirsts for righteousness
-is merciful towards other people
-is pure in heart
-is a peacemaker
-considers himself or herself blessed when persecuted or reviled for righteousness' sake

He reminds us that none of us will ever perfectly live out these values. That is why we need the Gospel every day. He suggests practical ways that a person can grow in humility mainly through their study of different Scriptures, dealing properly with sin in their lives and through prayer.

I have yet to find a Bridges book that I didn't enjoy and get something from. I recommend this short book.

( )

Jerry Bridges believes the essential New Testament passage on humility is the Beattitude portion of the Sermon on the Mount. This brief work offers his insight into that masterful sermon of Jesus and how it can lead to a greater personal humility.

In my opinion, the strongest chapters were the chapter on being poor in spirit, the chapter of mourning over our sinfulness, and the chapter on meekness. Everything else in this book builds upon and flows from Bridges arguments in these three chapters.

Read this book! Jerry Bridges has been a blessing to the modern church through his writings and his work with the Navigators. The Blessing of Humility is his last authored book. I love that this accomplished man spent his last days writing about humility. What a testimony! It is definitely worth your time! ( )