JC

 The line you’re referring to comes from Gospel of Matthew 23:12 (also echoed in Gospel of Luke 14:11 and 18:14), where Jesus Christ says:

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

What it means

At its core, this teaching is about pride vs. humility:

• Exalting yourself → putting yourself above others, seeking status, recognition, or superiority.
• Humbling yourself → recognizing your limitations, serving others, and not chasing honor.

Jesus is teaching a reversal of worldly values:

• The world often rewards self-promotion.
• God honors humility and sincere service.

Context

In Matthew 23, Jesus is criticizing religious leaders who sought public praise and elevated status. In Luke 18, He tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector:

• The Pharisee boasts about his righteousness.
• The tax collector humbly asks for mercy.
• The humble man is the one justified before God.

Practical takeaway

Humility isn’t about thinking poorly of yourself.

It’s about:

• Seeing yourself truthfully.
• Not placing yourself above others.
• Trusting God rather than your own status.

In biblical teaching, humility leads to true honor — not self-created honor, but honor given by God.

If you’d like, I can also share how different Christian traditions interpret this verse.