GEN1047 Humility is the reverse of arrogance. An arrogant individual has a high opinion of himself. The humble individual thinks little of himself. Arrogance is born of conceit, humility flows from an innate sense of modesty. A humble person is free of delusions of superiority. He is aware of his achievements but does not believe that they entitled him to preferential treatment. However, humility which results from self-denigration is a harmful trait, destructive of human dignity. Humility is most virtuous when it does not distort one’s judgment of oneself. It must not be tinged with a sense of false modesty nor with a sense of inferiority. Judaism regards humility as the crown of man’s ethical stature. The Bible singles out the humbleness of Moses as his most laudable trait Numbers 12:13. The Talmud points to Hillel’s meekness as the quality most worthy of emulation Shabbat 30b.   The early biblical figures set a proper tone of modesty. When Abraham questioned the justice of G–d’s condemnation of Sodom, he made sure to disclaim any stance of arrogance, “For I am but dust and ashes” [this verse]. Jacob’s expression of gratitude for God’s help was heightened by the disarming acknowledgment that he was unworthy of such generous consideration Genesis 32:11 David rejected the rebuke of his wife, Michal, for his participation in the dance of the common people on the occasion of the arrival of the Ark of God. He protested that he would continue to be lowly in his own eyes II Samuel 6:22. BLOCH 166-7