"身を低くする者は高められ、自らを高くする者は低くされる。"

Let’s break this down. The core message is about humility and pride—essentially, if you stay humble, you’ll eventually be lifted up, but if you’re arrogant, life has a way of bringing you back down to earth. Simple, right?

Historically, this idea pops up in a lot of places. It’s in the Bible, spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. But it’s not just a religious thing; many cultures and philosophies emphasize humility. Think about the Greek concept of hubris—overbearing pride leads to downfall. And personally? Well, we've all seen people who let success get to their heads, only to crash later.

Picture this: you’re at a company where there’s this guy, let’s call him Dave. Dave’s always bragging about his achievements. He’s constantly showing off, taking credit for things he didn’t do, and just generally making everyone else feel small. Then, there’s Sarah. She’s quietly competent, always helping others, never taking more credit than she deserves. She’s the one you go to when you need advice or help with a tricky problem.

A big project comes up—something with high visibility. Dave, being Dave, grabs the spotlight, pushing everyone else to the sidelines. But he overpromises and underdelivers. Sarah, on the other hand, keeps working diligently behind the scenes, supporting the team, making sure everything’s on track. When the project succeeds, it’s clear to everyone who really made it happen.

So, what happens? Dave gets his comeuppance. The boss sees through his bluster and he’s sidelined. Sarah, though, is recognized and promoted. Her humility, her willingness to put the team first, gets her the recognition she deserves.

How can you use this in your own life? Start by checking yourself. Are you more like Dave or Sarah? If you catch yourself bragging or taking more credit than you should, dial it back. Focus on the work itself, not the praise. Help others succeed and your own success will follow.

Imagine you’re in a meeting. There’s a chance to speak up and show how much you know. Instead of jumping in with a “Look at me” comment, try listening. Add value by supporting others’ ideas. When you do speak, share credit and acknowledge others’ contributions. This not only makes you look good but builds a stronger, more collaborative team.

Think of it like gardening. If you plant the seeds of humility and care for others, you’ll grow a garden of respect and success. If you plant the seeds of arrogance, though, you might get a few flashy flowers, but they won't last. The garden will wither.

So next time you’re tempted to toot your own horn, think of Sarah and Dave. Remember that real success is built on humility, hard work, and helping others shine. Stay grounded, and in the end, you’ll find yourself lifted up.