Humility isn’t just a virtue—it’s the soil in which all other virtues grow. And according to St. Josemaría Escrivá, it's also one of the most misunderstood and overlooked areas of the spiritual life.
In a striking list included in The Way, St. Josemaría outlines 17 specific attitudes and behaviors that betray a lack of humility. It's a spiritual mirror—one that doesn't flatter, but gently invites us to conversion.
As you read through the list below, don't be discouraged. Instead, let it be a moment of honest reflection and a chance to ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in true self-forgetfulness and love.
17 Signs You’re Lacking Humility
(From St. Josemaría Escrivá, The Way, no. 602)
“Allow me to remind you of some signs that show you lack humility:”
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Thinking that what you do or say is better than what others do or say.
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Always wanting to get your own way.
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Arguing when you are not right—or when you are.
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Giving your opinion without being asked, when charity does not demand you to do so.
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Despising the point of view of others.
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Not being aware that all the gifts and qualities you have are on loan.
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Not acknowledging that you are unworthy of all honor or esteem, even the ground you walk on or the things you own.
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Mentioning yourself as an example in conversation.
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Speaking badly about yourself so that they may form a good opinion of you—or contradict you.
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Making excuses when rebuked.
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Hiding some humiliating faults from your director, so that he may not lose the good opinion he has of you.
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Hearing praise with satisfaction, or being glad that others have spoken well of you.
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Being hurt that others are held in greater esteem than you.
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Refusing to carry out menial tasks.
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Seeking or wanting to be singled out.
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Letting drop words of self-praise in conversation, or words that might show your honesty, your wit, or skill, your professional prestige.
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Being ashamed of not having certain possessions.
How to Use This List
St. Josemaría didn’t offer this list to accuse—but to awaken. A lack of humility often hides behind defensiveness, comparison, or self-promotion. But by naming these habits, he shows us where to grow.
Take one or two items that resonate with you and bring them to prayer. You might journal about them, bring them to Confession, or ask your spiritual director for guidance.
Above all, remember: God loves a humble heart. He can do far more with someone who knows their weakness than with someone who trusts in their own strength.
Want to Grow in Humility? Start Here.
Scepter Publishers offers spiritual classics by St. Josemaría Escrivá and others to help you develop the interior life needed for true humility.
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The Way – Includes the full list above (no. 602) and hundreds of short, powerful reflections to guide daily conversion.
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The Forge – Reflects deeply on virtue, hidden holiness, and interior struggle.
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Friends of God – Offers meditations on living as a faithful disciple with humility and joy.
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Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacques Philippe – A beautiful modern exploration of humility, peace, and self-abandonment.
Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself—it’s thinking of yourself less.
This week, let St. Josemaría’s words open your heart to a deeper trust in God and a quieter, freer way of living.
Explore more writings by St. Josemaría and tools for interior growth at Scepter Publishers.
