Bernard of Clairvaux: The Leadership Virtue of Humility

"The only ones who can instruct the brethren are those who are merciful, those who are meek or humble. In other words, one cannot really be merciful if he is not humble". - St Bernard of Clairvaux

Bernard of Clairvaux stands as a remarkable figure in Christian history, not because he sought greatness, but because he embraced the path of humility. His teachings, especially those outlined in "The Twelve Degrees of Humility and Pride," offer timeless insights for leaders today. Bernard’s life illustrates that the virtue of humility is not just a personal discipline but a foundation for effective leadership. His experiences, including his involvement in the failed Second Crusade, provide powerful lessons about the complex relationship between spiritual conviction and worldly affairs.

The Twelve Degrees of Humility: A Guide for Leaders

Bernard’s "Twelve Degrees of Humility" describe a progressive journey from basic self-awareness and submission to a higher authority, to the deepest levels of spiritual surrender. This ladder of humility is a process of refining the soul, leading to greater wisdom and clarity. For leaders today, these teachings are invaluable. Leadership is not about self-promotion or domination; it is about aligning oneself with truth and serving others selflessly. Bernard believed that humility opens the way for true understanding, enabling leaders to see beyond their own ego and act for the greater good.

Humility in Leadership: The Second Crusade as a Lesson

One of the most significant episodes in Bernard’s life was his role in promoting the Second Crusade (1147-1149). Bernard, a revered Cistercian monk, was asked by Pope Eugene III to preach the Crusade and rally support for it across Europe. His powerful sermons inspired kings, nobles, and commoners alike to take up the cross. Bernard was deeply convinced that this was a divinely ordained mission, and he promised that God would grant victory to the Crusaders.

Yet, the Second Crusade ended in failure. Despite Bernard's assurances of divine support, the Crusading armies were plagued by poor planning, lack of coordination, and devastating losses. The Crusade not only failed to recapture Edessa but also ended in an embarrassing defeat for the Christian forces.

For Bernard, the failure of the Second Crusade was a humbling experience. He had to confront the limits of his spiritual influence over worldly affairs. Bernard did not retreat from his convictions but sought to interpret the failure through a spiritual lens, arguing that the Crusade’s defeat was due to the sins and moral shortcomings of the Crusaders, not a failure of divine will. This episode offers a profound lesson about the intricate relationship between spiritual belief and practical action.

For leaders today, the Second Crusade is a powerful reminder that spiritual conviction, while essential, must be tempered with practical wisdom. Bernard’s experience teaches that even with the purest of intentions and the deepest of faith, worldly outcomes are often beyond our control. Humility, in this sense, involves accepting that not everything is subject to divine intervention in the way we might hope. Leadership, therefore, requires the ability to navigate both the spiritual and the mundane, recognizing that failures are not always moral but can stem from the complex realities of the world.

Humility and Truth

A key insight from Bernard’s life is that humility leads to a clearer understanding of truth. As he writes, "Humility is the way because it leads to the truth." Bernard recognized that pride distorts our vision, making us blind to our own flaws and the needs of others. In contrast, humility allows us to see the world more clearly, to accept our limitations, and to adjust our course when necessary. This is what Bernard ultimately did after the Second Crusade—he did not abandon his faith or his commitment to the Crusading ideal, but he adjusted his understanding of what had gone wrong and why.

Leaders who embrace humility, like Bernard, can learn to separate their spiritual or personal convictions from the outcomes of their actions. They can accept failure as a part of leadership, using it as an opportunity for growth rather than as a source of shame. Bernard’s experience with the Second Crusade reminds us that humility does not prevent failure; it allows us to respond to it with grace and wisdom.

Humility as Strength

Bernard’s life teaches that humility is not about self-deprecation or passivity; it is about inner strength and resilience. True humility empowers leaders to confront challenges without losing sight of their higher purpose. Bernard’s ability to persevere despite the failure of the Second Crusade shows that humility can coexist with confidence and decisiveness. It is through humility that leaders develop the strength to endure setbacks, learn from them, and continue to serve with integrity.

In a world where leaders are often celebrated for their confidence and assertiveness, Bernard’s life serves as a counterexample. His influence was not diminished by humility; rather, it was deepened by it. Leaders who practice humility build stronger organizations, foster deeper trust, and create environments where truth and service are valued above ego and personal ambition.

The Intersection of the Spiritual and the Worldly

Bernard’s involvement in the Second Crusade also offers lessons about the relationship between spiritual and worldly leadership. Bernard believed deeply in divine intervention and the power of prayer, yet he was confronted with the realities of military logistics, political alliances, and human error. Leaders today can learn from Bernard’s example that while spiritual or ethical values should guide decision-making, they must also be balanced with a practical understanding of worldly affairs. Humility involves recognizing that while we may have a higher purpose, we must also engage with the complexities of the world.

Conclusion: Bernard’s Enduring Legacy

Bernard of Clairvaux’s life and teachings continue to resonate with leaders in all walks of life. He shows us that humility is not just a personal virtue but a leadership strategy that can lead to lasting impact. Bernard’s failure with the Second Crusade did not diminish his spiritual authority; instead, it deepened his understanding of the complexities of leadership. His humility allowed him to persevere, to learn from his experiences, and to continue serving others.

Leaders today can draw on Bernard’s example to navigate the delicate balance between spiritual conviction and worldly action. His life teaches that humility is the foundation of effective leadership, enabling leaders to confront failure, learn from it, and continue to serve their higher purpose with resilience and grace.

Channeled Message from Bernard of Clairvaux:

"Humility is your guide through both the spiritual and the worldly. It allows you to see the truth of your purpose, even when the world seems to be working against you. Let each failure be a lesson, a step toward greater wisdom, and a deeper connection with the Divine. Remember that leadership is not about control, but about service—humility is your strength on this journey."