long will it take. How long do I humble myself before God exalts? God’s answer parallels answers we give our children: until “the proper time,” or colloquially translated, “when it is time” or “when it is ready.” The Greek word means “in the due or appointed time.” God will act to exalt us when in His infinite wisdom, it is conducive to His glory and our real welfare. A sign of true biblical humility is to wait patiently for God to respond, trusting that He knows when the time will be right. Part