Christian Modesty​—Proof of Wisdom

“Through the undeserved kindness given to me I tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think; but to think so as to have a sound mind, each one as God has distributed to him a measure of faith.”​—ROMANS 12:3.

1. What facts show that modesty is not appreciated today?

HOW few today appreciate modesty and manifest it! This is the age of bitter rivalry and extreme competition. Races, nations, tribes, corporations and individuals of the world all want to be the best, to be on top. No one wants to be modest. This spirit has even affected the family circle, as can be seen by the rebellion of youth and the women’s liberation movement.

2. Why must the attitude of Jehovah’s Witnesses regarding modesty not be that of the world?

² But the way of the world is not to be the way of genuine Christians. No, Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize their obligation to follow the greatest example of modesty that this world has ever seen​—Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Typical of Jesus’ modesty are his remarks: “The Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative.” “Why do you call me good? Nobody is good, except one, God.” (John 5:19; Luke 18:19) Yes, all who would closely follow in Jesus Christ’s footsteps must manifest modesty. Moreover, all who do so will not suffer loss, but they will find that the course of Christian modesty is rewarding and truly is proof of wisdom.

3. The term modesty generally is used in what ways?

³ The term “modesty” may mean “limitation in size, amount, or extent.” Or it can refer to that which is chaste, marked by “freedom from coarseness, indelicacy, or indecency.” Then again, it may denote “an awareness of one’s limitations,” or “freedom from conceit or vanity.”a Under divine inspiration, the apostle Paul urged fellow believers to display modesty, for he wrote: “Through the undeserved kindness given to me I tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think; but to think so as to have a sound mind, each one as God has distributed to him a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3) Yes, it is necessary to think something of ourselves. But we must not think too much of ourselves, attaching too much importance to our natural abilities or acquired advantages.

Modesty and Humility Differ

4. (a) Where does the Hebrew word rendered “modest” occur in the Scriptures? (b) What must we conclude as to its meaning at Proverbs 11:2?

⁴ In many Bible translations, modesty is confused with humility. The Hebrew word rendered “modest” occurs only at Proverbs 11:2 and Micah 6:8. What does it mean? It can signify being modest, decent, chaste or having personal purity. However, it can also refer to being aware of one’s limitations. At Micah 6:8 this Hebrew word could have either meaning, for there we are simply urged to be ‘modest in walking with our God.’ But that is not true of Proverbs 11:2, which reads: “Has presumptuousness come? Then dishonor will come; but wisdom is with the modest ones.” Here modesty is contrasted with presumptuousness. The opposite of presumptuousness is here shown to be modesty in the sense of not presuming too much, being aware of one’s limitations.

5, 6. How can the difference between humility and modesty be illustrated with regard to Jehovah God?

⁵ There is a difference between being humble and being modest. For example, concerning Jehovah God, the psalmist David said: “Your own humility will make me great.” (Psalm 18:35) Indeed, it was because Jehovah was willing to humble, or lower, himself to notice David and deal patiently with him that he became a great king in Israel. Thus we also read regarding Jehovah: “Who is like Jehovah our God, him who is making his dwelling on high? He is condescending to look on heaven and earth.” (Psalm 113:5, 6) There is no question about it​—the Creator is so highly exalted that he has to condescend to take notice of things in the heavens and upon earth.

⁶ But can we speak of Jehovah as being modest in the sense of being aware of his limitations? Of course not! How could we speak of limitations as regards God, since he is infinite in wisdom and power, absolutely flawless and perfect in justice and the very personification of love? Absolutely no one can rightly be compared to him.​—Isaiah 40:12-31.

7. (a) Why can it be said that a human may be humble but be lacking in modesty? (b) How can this be seen in the case of the apostle Peter?

⁷ On the other hand, it is possible for humans to be humble and yet be lacking in modesty. They may be humble, lowly in heart, and yet not use clear thinking ability so as to be aware of their own limitations. For example, the apostle Peter certainly was a humble man. When he saw Jesus perform a miracle that demonstrated ability to control even living creatures in the sea, Peter fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying: “Depart from me, because I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5:8) And we read that both Jesus and the apostle Paul reproved Peter. But at no time do we detect that Peter took offense at such reproofs. (Matthew 16:21-23; Galatians 2:11-14; 2 Peter 3:15, 16) Undoubtedly, Peter was a humble, lowly-minded apostle. But was he really modest in the sense of being aware of his limitations? Not always. If he had been, he would not have insisted that even though all the other apostles deserted their Master he would not do so​—only to fail so miserably, denying Jesus three times!​—Mark 14:29, 30, 66-72.

Woes Caused by Lack of Modesty

8. Why can it be said that all the trouble in the universe originated with a lack of modesty?

⁸ Not only did a lack of modesty bring woe to the apostle Peter but it might also be said that all the woe in the world​—yes, in the universe—​had its origin in a lack of modesty. How so? It was because of a lack of modesty that a certain angelic creature became Satan the Devil. He failed to recognize his limitations as a created individual. Not content with the position that Jehovah had assigned to him, he wanted to be equal to God. Later, this prideful attitude was shown when the Devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world for just one act of worship. But as Jesus reminded that Tempter, worship belongs to Jehovah God only. Satan’s lack of modesty, which was and is a course of presumptuousness, has resulted in dishonor to him and eventually will mean his destruction.​—Matthew 4:8-10; Hebrews 2:14.

9. In what respects did Eve display a lack of modesty?

⁹ Lack of modesty likewise proved to be the undoing of Eve, “the mother of everyone living.” (Genesis 3:20) The idea of being like God, of knowing good and bad for herself, appealed to her. Why? Because she failed to exercise modesty. Had she kept modest, she could, in effect, have told the Tempter: ‘Why should I want to be like God? I am perfectly content with God’s arrangement, for me to be helper to perfect Adam. Besides, I had better ask Adam about this, since he told me about the command not to eat of this fruit.’ But no. Eve broke away from modesty, in relation to her Maker and her husband. And lack of modesty cost Eve her life and influenced her husband to take a suicidal course. So is modesty important? Yes, it is that important!​—Genesis 3:1-19.

10. Why do all of us find it difficult to be truly modest?

¹⁰ All of us seem to have inherited from our first parents some tendency to manifest a lack of modesty. As God said following the Flood, “the inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up.” (Genesis 8:21) Hence, when King David was overtaken by grievous sins, he could plead with God: “Look! With error I was brought forth with birth pains, and in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5) And that is why Jehovah God could say by his prophet Jeremiah: “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?”​—Jeremiah 17:9.

11. What conditions worldwide can be laid to a lack of modesty?

¹¹ So much trouble in the world is due to a lack of modesty! It affects all races, nationalities, tribes and even family members. Neither the Eastern nor the Western bloc of nations is willing to recognize its own limitations. Each wants to be on top. People of one race feel superior to those of another. In fact, it is reported that strife between certain African tribes often results simply because each tribe sets out to prove its supposed superiority.

12. (a) What harm results from a lack of modesty on the part of some husbands? (b) What results from a lack of modesty on the part of many women?

¹² What about the lack of modesty within the family circle? In many instances, both husbands and wives have caused discord by their lack of modesty. Due to their physical and economic advantages, husbands often tend to play a macho role or to act as a boss, to the great unhappiness of the family. No doubt this partially accounts for the women’s liberation movement, with its charge of male chauvinism. But what about womenfolk, and wives in particular? Those lacking modesty have often reaped much unhappiness, including broken homes. (Galatians 6:7, 8) Such women have ignored the basic Scriptural requirement that they “be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:21-23, 33; 1 Corinthians 11:3, 7-10) Among women of the world, there is also a glaring and widespread lack of modesty as regards chasteness. Flaunting their physical charms by the way they speak, dress and conduct themselves, these women must share the blame for the prevalence of promiscuousness, marital infidelity and broken homes.

13. What fruitage has a lack of modesty produced among youths today?

¹³ While there are fine examples of modesty among modern youth, others show a shocking lack of it. Because of failing to display this quality, many youths are impatient with their elders or are critical of the mistakes made by those of the older generation. But, then, what wisdom do some of these youths manifest with regard to drug addiction, drunkenness, reckless driving or getting involved in an immoral life-style? If such youths were modest, they would listen to their elders and benefit from the good counsel such experienced ones can give.

Christian Modesty​—Truly Wise!

14. Why is modesty so fitting in our relationship with Jehovah God?

¹⁴ The displaying of Christian modesty truly is the course of wisdom. First of all, it results in good relations with Jehovah. In fact, God requires that we be modest in walking with him. (Micah 6:8) Moreover, modesty is most becoming on our part when we think of the great gap between us and our all-powerful and eternal Maker. Why, to him the nations are like the film of dust on the scales and like a mere drop falling from a bucket! (Isaiah 40:15) Modesty will cause us to fear to displease Jehovah God, and that surely is “the beginning of wisdom.”​—Psalm 111:10.

15. What help can modesty be to a Christian brother?

¹⁵ Modesty also promotes good relations with our fellow witnesses of Jehovah. It will keep a Christian brother from pushing himself forward as regards privileges of service. Modesty will keep him aware of his limitations, his lack of knowledge and experience in certain respects as compared with others. It will also make him concerned about improving his spiritual qualifications rather than with having the office of ministerial servant or elder. If he continues to make full use of every opportunity to increase in knowledge and to be of help to his fellow believers, it may well come as a surprise to him when he is recommended and appointed to a position of responsibility in the congregation. That has actually been the case in more than one instance.

16. Why is displaying modesty the course of wisdom on the part of Christian women?

¹⁶ Modesty is also the course of wisdom for the sisters in the congregation. This is true in more than the matter of chasteness, important as that is. (1 Timothy 2:9, 10; Titus 2:3-5) Being aware of her limitations and the role assigned to her in the congregation, the Christian woman who is wise will modestly control her speech. She will keep from being overly talkative and from expressing criticism of the way the appointed elders are handling matters.​—Compare Jude 8, 9, 16.

17, 18. (a) Why should youths display modesty toward their parents? (b) What Scriptural example is here given to show that it is wise to heed the counsel of older people?

¹⁷ Similarly, modesty on the part of youths is proof of wisdom. Youths endear themselves to others when they conduct themselves modestly. God’s Word rightly commands that they honor their father and mother and obey them in “everything.” (Colossians 3:20; Ephesians 6:1-3) It takes modesty to do that and not to think that youths are wiser than their parents. And do you not owe your parents a debt of gratitude? They brought you into the world. From that time until the present, your parents have provided you with food, clothing, shelter, education, recreation and spiritual instruction. Therefore, would not respect itself move you to manifest modesty toward them?

¹⁸ Modestly taking your parents into your confidence and accepting their counsel is the course of wisdom. By reason of their experience, they surely have more wisdom than you do. The world is filled with turmoil, not because of a lack of knowledge but due to a lack of sound wisdom. “They have rejected the very word of Jehovah, and what wisdom do they have?” (Jeremiah 8:9) Even in such a personal matter as picking your partner for life, you will be wise if you modestly give due regard to your parents’ judgment, since they love you and have your best interest at heart. They can give you far better advice than can your peers. True, it may not be as flattering, but it will be better for you. The Bible reveals that King Rehoboam of ancient Israel lost most of his kingdom because of his lack of modesty. He rejected the counsel of the older men who had been his father’s counselors and chose to follow the flattering counsel of his peers, the young men that had grown up with him. They were as inexperienced and shortsighted as he himself was.​—1 Kings 12:1-24.

19. How can modesty serve us well in our witnessing activity?

¹⁹ Christian modesty will also serve us well when we are witnessing about Jehovah God’s name and Kingdom, whether formally or informally. If we were to speak with great self-assurance, we might impress some listeners but repel many others. At all times, we should call attention to Jehovah God and his Word, not to ourselves. Very much to the point here is this advice: “Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) Modesty will make it easier to display a mild temper and to show deep respect.

20. (a) So far, what have we learned about modesty and the lack of it? (b) What question remains?

²⁰ Clearly, from the foregoing we can see what great harm has come to mankind due to a lack of modesty. We have also seen that modesty unquestionably is the course of wisdom. These points should help us to cultivate modesty. But what further aid can we find in cultivating Christian modesty?

Cultivating Christian Modesty

1. What expressions show that some men of the world have appreciated the value of modesty?

MODESTY is a virtue that once was appreciated by the wise men of this world. Thus we are told: “A modest person seldom fails to gain the good will of those he converses with, because nobody envies a man who does not appear to be pleased with himself.” And it has been said: “Modesty is a shining light; it prepares the mind to receive knowledge, and the heart for truth.” A person lacking modesty is not likely to have an open mind.

2. How have certain noted men displayed modesty?

² Then again, some men noted for their discoveries have displayed modesty. Thus Albert Einstein once stated that “a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe​—a spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in the face of which we with our modest powers must feel humble.” And Sir Isaac Newton, considered by many to be the foremost scientist of all time, once remarked: “If I have seen farther than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Evidently of a similar frame of mind are some surgeons who have operated on Jehovah’s Witnesses. After performing very difficult operations successfully without blood transfusions, they have told their Witness patients that the credit goes to God, not to the surgeons themselves.

Examples of Modesty

3. (a) What will help us to cultivate modesty? (b) What can be said about Moses and modesty?

³ What will aid us in cultivating the very desirable, yes, very necessary quality of modesty? Obviously, applying all that has been said in the two previous articles on presumptuousness and modesty will help us to cultivate modesty. Another aid in cultivating modesty is to consider how mightily Jehovah used his modest servants. How could God use men who sought praise and called attention to themselves instead of to their Maker! Just once Moses did this​—under great stress and provocation, it is true. Yet, how he paid for that! But that Moses was truly modest can be seen by his initial diffidence about going to Pharaoh. Moreover, the Scriptures say that “Moses was by far the meekest of all the men who were upon the surface of the ground.”​—Numbers 12:3; Exodus 4:10-17.

4. How did Elihu and Joseph show due modesty?

⁴ Another fine example of modesty was young Elihu. He patiently waited until his elders, Job and his three companions, had their say before he spoke. Elihu did not have an air of superiority but directed all praise to his Maker. (Job 32:4-11, 21, 22; 36:9) Joseph, the son of the patriarch Jacob, also showed due modesty when brought before mighty Pharaoh and asked if he could interpret that monarch’s dream. Joseph gave Jehovah the credit for interpreting dreams.​—Genesis 40:8; compare Daniel 2:26-30.

5. Why was Gideon’s modesty important to Jehovah God?

⁵ Consider, too, the case of Gideon. When receiving his commission, he modestly said that his clan was the least in Manasseh and he himself was the smallest in his father’s house. So Gideon was just the one for Jehovah to use in vanquishing the Midianites because God was determined to get the credit for the victory. Only a truly modest man could have served properly in that situation.​—Judges 6:14-16; 7:2-7.

6. (a) Why was Jehovah pleased with young King Solomon’s request? (b) What other young servant of Jehovah manifested fitting modesty, and in what regard? (c) How may the attitude of young Elihu, Solomon and Jeremiah affect relatively youthful or less experienced witnesses of Jehovah?

⁶ Young Solomon, when first made king, likewise displayed modesty. Upon being asked by God in a dream what he would like to have, Solomon modestly replied: “I am but a little boy. . . . You must give to your servant an obedient heart to judge your people, to discern between good and bad; for who is able to judge this difficult people of yours?” Jehovah was so well pleased with Solomon’s modesty that He gave him not only wisdom but also great riches and glory. (1 Kings 3:4-14) Due to Solomon’s modesty, Jehovah made him the wisest of all human rulers. Jeremiah displayed similar modesty in view of his youthfulness when called to be Jehovah’s prophet. (Jeremiah 1:6-8) Are you a comparatively young or inexperienced witness of Jehovah? If so, surely you will prove yourself wise if you, like young Elihu, Solomon and Jeremiah, display due modesty.

7. How do Paul’s words at 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 provide a fine example of modesty for Kingdom proclaimers?

⁷ Noteworthy, too, was the modesty of the apostle Paul. Although he had been a highly educated Pharisee and later was used mightily by Jehovah God, Paul did not flaunt his advantages. As he himself said: “So I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come with an extravagance of speech or of wisdom declaring the sacred secret of God to you. For I decided not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and him impaled. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and with much trembling; and my speech and what I preached were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of spirit and power, that your faith might be, not in men’s wisdom, but in God’s power.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) Some of Jehovah’s Witnesses have come from among the highly educated. But, like Paul, they display modesty in declaring the good news, wisely following the apostle’s fine example.

8. How did Jesus provide the finest and greatest example of modesty?

⁸ The greatest and finest example of modesty, of course, is none other than Jesus Christ. What a contrast there is between the Son of God and the one who became Satan the Devil! Never has Christ immodestly sought equality with Jehovah God. (Matthew 4:8-10; Philippians 2:5-8) Rather, Jesus is completely content to be his Father’s assistant and spokesman. (Proverbs 8:30; John 1:1) While on earth he repeatedly spoke of his subordination to God. (John 5:19, 30; 7:28; 8:28, 42) He disclaimed personal credit, directing attention to Jehovah. (Mark 10:18) And at the time of Jesus’ greatest testing, his attitude was: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39) Unquestionably, Jesus set us a fine example in modesty. Surely, then, all of God’s spirit creatures and all humans should be modest.

Modesty Makes Sense

9. According to 1 Corinthians 4:6, 7, why does modesty on the part of God’s servants make sense?

⁹ For us to be modest is logical; it makes sense. To begin with, are we not all imperfect? Who can deny that! (1 Kings 8:46) All of us make mistakes. Our experience is limited and our knowledge is by no means infinite. More than that, we have received everything we have. Thus the apostle Paul urged fellow believers not to go beyond the things written “in order,” as he put it, “that you may not be puffed up individually in favor of the one against the other. For who makes you to differ from another? Indeed, what do you have that you did not receive? If, now, you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it?” (1 Corinthians 4:6, 7) Obviously, so much of what we are depends on our genetic inheritance, our environment and especially on God’s providence.

10. On what does success in sacred service depend, and how should awareness of that fact affect us?

¹⁰ Moreover, is it not a fact that regardless of what success we might have in our sacred service, everything depends on Jehovah’s blessing? To illustrate: No matter how hard a farmer may work, the weather is a very important factor in the growth of crops. And the psalmist well observed: “Unless Jehovah himself builds the house, it is to no avail that its builders have worked hard on it. Unless Jehovah himself guards the city, it is to no avail that the guard has kept awake.” Making the same point regarding the work of Christian ministers, the apostle Paul wrote: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow.” (Psalm 127:1; 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7) Yes, if we reason on the matter, we have to agree that modesty is becoming to all of us, regardless of our abilities, attainments or possessions.

Aids in Cultivating Modesty

11. How will love for Jehovah God help us to be modest?

¹¹ Among the qualities that will help us to be modest is love, unselfish love. If we appreciate all that Jehovah God has done, is doing and will yet do for us, we will truly love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:30) Then we will not boast as regards ourselves. After all, boastfulness is the opposite of modesty. Rather, we will always speak and act with due modesty so as to draw attention not to ourselves but to Jehovah God, letting all glory and honor go to him. Then we will be heeding the counsel: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom nor the valiant of his valour; let not the rich man boast of his riches; but if any man would boast, let him boast of this, that he understands and knows me. For I am [Jehovah], I show unfailing love, I do justice and right upon the earth; for on these I have set my heart. This is the very word of [Jehovah].”​—Jeremiah 9:23, 24, The New English Bible.

12. How can a good relationship with God help us to be modest?

¹² Cultivating a close relationship with Jehovah will also help us to be modest at all times. We are expected to be modest in walking with our God. (Micah 6:8) To the extent that the Creator, his greatness, his majesty and his attributes are real to us, to that extent we will be deporting ourselves with due modesty. We want to have the same mental attitude as that of Moses, who “continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27) It is as though we were little children taking hold of our heavenly Father’s hand. Our feeding regularly on Jehovah’s Word and ‘persevering in prayer,’ yes, ‘praying incessantly,’ will help us to have this fine intimate relationship with God.​—Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

13. In what way can our desire to imitate Jesus Christ help us to be modest?

¹³ Love and appreciation for all that our Master, Jesus Christ, has done for us and knowing what it means to follow his steps closely will also help us to be modest. What a fine, noble, unselfish, perfect example Jesus set for us! To the extent that we take seriously our obligation to follow his footsteps closely, we will be helped to be modest. How so? Because we will appreciate how far short we come from fully imitating him. We may feel pleased with ourselves when we compare ourselves with some others. But do we have a basis for feeling so pleased alongside Jesus Christ? Instead, we should feel as did the apostle Paul​—painfully aware of the fact that we fail to do what we really want to and so often do that which we really wish not to do. No Christian who is keenly aware of how far short he comes of being an imitator of Jesus Christ will feel like boasting in himself.​—Romans 7:15-25.

14. Why can brotherly love help us to be modest?

¹⁴ Likewise, love for our fellow witnesses of Jehovah and for members of our own family will help us to be modest. As a Kingdom song puts it: “Love has eyes to see the good. Love builds up the brotherhood.” Yes, love will cause us to appreciate the good qualities in others. But how can this help us to be modest? Well, a lack of modesty offends others, makes them uncomfortable. Since we do not want to offend those we love, genuine brotherly love will make us modest. Lack of modesty stirs up competition, rivalry, or causes others to feel inferior to us. But love “does not brag, does not get puffed up.” Rather, it is modest.​—1 Corinthians 13:4.

15. How can self-control help us to be modest?

¹⁵ Self-control, a fruit of God’s holy spirit, is also helpful to us in cultivating modesty. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Is there really a relationship between the two? Indeed there is. Often an individual is inclined to say or do the self-serving or self-flattering thing, sometimes simply because of acting on impulse. As soon as a person has said or done this, he may realize the mistake he has made. This is because the human heart is devious, treacherous, deceitful. (Jeremiah 17:9, The Jerusalem Bible; NE) But exercising self-control, pausing, thinking, reflecting on just how our words or actions will affect others, will help us to show fitting modesty. For example, without sufficient thought, we might be prone to take the choicest or largest piece of meat, cake or fruit when we are being served or handed a dish at a dinner. But self-control and thoughtfulness will enable us to resist that impulse. The same applies when it comes to immodestly taking the best seat at a banquet. As Jesus illustrated, we may be asked to move to a less significant place. However, a little thinking and modesty will keep us from making an embarrassing mistake along these lines.​—Luke 14:8-11.

16. Why can faith in Jehovah help us to be modest?

¹⁶ Another fruit of the spirit that will aid us in cultivating modesty is faith in Jehovah, resulting from a good relationship with him. Fallen human nature is prone to arouse fear of losing out on the good things of life, be they material, intellectual, emotional or spiritual. But faith in Jehovah will keep us from pushing forward presumptuously or immodestly. Rather, we will leave matters in Jehovah’s hands. If we are modest, we will be able to wait until God sets matters right or sees to it that we receive recognition or advancement. Before David became king, he displayed this modesty. He could have taken matters into his own hands, for he had been anointed as king. David could have become Israel’s ruler at once by slaying King Saul, but no, David modestly waited for Jehovah to give him the kingship, and this Jehovah did, in His own due time.​—1 Samuel 24:2-6; 26:10, 11.

17. In what ways can empathy help us to be modest?

¹⁷ Another aid to modesty is empathy, which means being able to put oneself in the shoes of others, as it were. For instance, a lack of modesty may cause a congregation elder repeatedly to run overtime in handling his assignments on congregation meetings. But if he has empathy, he will be able to put himself in the shoes of his fellow elders who are concerned about having sufficient time for their parts on the program. The modest elder will also think of his spiritual brothers and sisters, who do not appreciate it when a meeting runs overtime for no good reason. In fact, empathy will cause a person to be modest in all relationships, not just in the Christian congregation. Empathy caused the apostle Paul to become ‘as a Jew to the Jews, as though under law to those under law, as weak to the weak,’ and so forth​—all for the sake of the good news. That meant being modest, showing his listeners that he did not think himself to be any better than they were.​—1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

18. What can be said in favor of Christian modesty?

¹⁸ Truly, Christian modesty has much to recommend it. What havoc has been caused throughout history due to a lack of modesty! Displaying modesty really makes sense to the Christian. It results in good relations with God, our fellow witnesses of Jehovah, our own family and others. Modesty will even help us personally, for it will make us content and keep us from becoming frustrated. Wisely, God’s Word helps us greatly to be modest. May we therefore give proof of real wisdom by cultivating and displaying Christian modesty.