Humility is measured by how we handle losses. Humble people avoid excuses and finger pointing. They accept that even a valiant effort may fail. Humility is also measured by how we handle victory—or potential victory.  Humble men and women realize God is the source of victory. Instead of gloating, or crushing an opponent, they treat them with honor.

A Man Who Could Have Gloated

If ever a man had a reason to grab victory and gloat, it was David. King Saul had chased him from the palace and, as the psalmist said, pursued him like “ravenous beasts” (Psalm 57:4), spreading nets and digging pits for him to fall into. David’s crimes? He loved God and killed Goliath. Saul’s jealousy of David’s fame blinded him to the shepherd/warrior’s love for both God and the king, himself.

A Chance To Get Even

While hiding in a dark cave David encountered the unexpected. Saul’s 3,000-man army waited outside while the king entered the cave to relieve himself. David’s band of warriors told him God had finally given the king into his hands. But instead of taking Saul’s life, David, with the silence of a cat, snuck up behind the king and cut off a corner of his robe. A few minutes later, after the king had left the cave, David followed him into the sun where he told him, “Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:10).

Honor Your Enemies

Great and godly men and women are humble. And humble people treat their enemies with honor. Something desperately needed in the world today.