Psalm 138:6
Though the LORD is exalted, He takes notice of the lowly, while keeping the proud at a distance.
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Scripture
33 passages, grouped by what they say. Look them up rather than take our word for it — the summaries here are ours, the text is not.
He notices the lowly
The height of God and his attention to the low are stated in the same breath, not as a contrast he has to overcome.
Isaiah 57:15
The One who lives forever in a high and holy place also dwells with the crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive them.
Isaiah 66:2
The person God esteems is the humble and contrite one who trembles at His word.
Psalm 113:7–8
He lifts the needy out of the ash heap and seats them among princes.
1 Samuel 2:8
Hannah's song: God raises the poor from the dust to sit on a throne of honor.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those crushed in spirit.
Psalm 51:17
God will not turn away a broken and contrite heart.
Job 5:11
He sets the lowly on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
The humbled are lifted
Stated as a rule rather than a promise to particular people, and stated most often to the self-important.
Luke 1:52
In Mary's song, rulers are brought down from thrones and the humble are lifted up.
Luke 14:11
Anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:12
Jesus states the same principle as a rebuke to the self-important.
James 4:6, 10
God shows favor to the humble; humble yourself before Him and He will lift you up.
1 Peter 5:5–6
Clothe yourselves with humility; God will lift you up at the proper time.
Proverbs 3:34
He mocks the mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
Proverbs 29:23
A lowly spirit gains honor, while pride brings a person down.
1 Corinthians 1:27–28
God chose what the world counts weak, lowly, and despised to shame the strong.
Rest for the weary
Addressed to people already worn out, and offering strength rather than instruction.
Matthew 11:28–29
Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him, describing Himself as gentle and humble in heart.
Isaiah 40:29–31
He gives strength to the weary, and those who hope in the LORD renew their strength.
Isaiah 42:3
He will not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick.
2 Corinthians 7:6
God comforts the downcast.
2 Corinthians 12:9
His grace is sufficient, and His power is made complete in weakness.
Psalm 145:14
The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Psalm 147:3, 6
He heals the brokenhearted and sustains the humble.
The needy are not forgotten
The complaint that God has overlooked the poor is answered inside the same book that raises it.
Psalm 9:18
The needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted perish.
Psalm 10:17
He hears the desire of the afflicted and encourages their hearts.
Psalm 72:12–13
He delivers the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no one to help.
Isaiah 41:17
When the poor search for water and find none, the LORD will not abandon them.
Psalm 68:5–6
A father to the fatherless, who sets the lonely in families.
Zephaniah 3:12
He leaves within the city the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the LORD.
What the humble are given
Not consolation for missing out, but the thing itself: the kingdom, the earth, the way to walk in.
Matthew 5:3–5
The poor in spirit receive the kingdom; the meek inherit the earth.
Psalm 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.
James 1:9
Believers in humble circumstances can take pride in their high position.
How we read
Straight through
the books
Sunday preaching works through whole books rather than picking topics, so the text sets the agenda. These passages are gathered here because they say one thing together, not because a sermon needed them.