What does Gurbani say about humility?
Answered from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib · 2026-10-18
ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥
mithat neevee naanakaa gun cha(n)giaaeeaa tat ||
Sweetness and humility, O Nanak, are the essence of virtue and goodness.
ਨਿਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਅਖਰੁ ਖਵਣੁ ਗੁਣੁ ਜਿਹਬਾ ਮਣੀਆ ਮੰਤੁ ॥
nivan s akhar khavan gun jihabaa maneeaa ma(n)t ||
Humility is the word, forgiveness is the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic mantra.
ਨਮਸਕਾਰੁ ਕਰਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
namasakaar kar hiradai maahi ||
Bow in humility within your heart,
ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਜੋ ਜਾਣੈ ਨੀਚਾ ॥
aapas kau jo jaanai neechaa ||
One who sees himself as lowly,
ਨੀਚਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਨੀਚ ਜਾਤਿ ਨੀਚੀ ਹੂ ਅਤਿ ਨੀਚੁ ॥
neechaa a(n)dar neech jaat neechee hoo at neech ||
Nanak seeks the company of the lowest of the low class, the very lowest of the low.