Are Leadership Roles at Odds with Humility in Scripture?
In this article, you will learn how Nehemiah 11:17 contradicts James 3:17, Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, 1 Peter 5:5, Philippians 2:3, Matthew 6:1 and Mark 9:35. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible, a rich tapestry of narratives and teachings, often presents ideas that can seem contradictory. For example, Nehemiah 11:17 describes how Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, and Abda took on leadership roles in worship, coming from families well-known for singing and praising God. Their story exemplifies an organized and structured approach to worship, with designated leaders.
Contrast this with teachings found in other parts of scripture that emphasize humility and servitude. James 3:17 highlights wisdom as pure and peaceable, qualities that focus on moral virtues rather than structured leadership. Similarly, teachings in Matthew 23:12 and Luke 14:11 underscore themes of humility, suggesting that those who elevate themselves will ultimately be humbled. These verses question the idea that leadership and exaltation should be the focus, challenging the roles highlighted in Nehemiah.
Further complicating this juxtaposition, 1 Peter 5:5 advises submission and humility, again differing from the notions of leadership and authority presented in Nehemiah. Paul, in Philippians 2:3, warns against selfish ambition, suggesting that the prominence given to specific leaders might conflict with a call to genuine humility. Jesus also cautions against actions aimed at public recognition in Matthew 6:1, opposing the public roles mentioned in Nehemiah. Finally, Mark 9:35 presents an image of leadership as serving all, rather than being elevated above others.
Consider the analogy of a choir: Nehemiah’s leaders are like the conductor, orchestrating harmony, while James and others speak to the beauty of each singer adding their humble voice to the collective melody. This raises an intriguing question: Can effective leadership and humility coexist, or do these scriptures invite us to reconsider the roles we assign in spiritual and communal life?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nehemiah 11:17 | And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, [was] the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. |
| 2. | James 3:17 | But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling] |
| 3. | Matthew 23:12 | And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. |
| 4. | Luke 14:11 | For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. |
| 5. | 1 Peter 5:5 | Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. |
| 6. | Philippians 2:3 | [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. |
| 7. | Matthew 6:1 | Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [alms: or, righteousness] [of your: or, with your] |
| 8. | Mark 9:35 | And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all. |