Humility is generally a misunderstood concept. Many equate humility with a lack of confidence or self-esteem. Others feel that humility means weakness. This is contrary to the Torah meaning of this word. The Torah definition of humility is "knowing your place before G-d."

Understanding that everything we have is a gift from our Creator allows us to remain humble as opposed to becoming arrogant. Do you have a physique and skill level that allows you to hit 70 home runs in a single season? It's a gift from G-d.

Ah, but you still put in a lot of your own effort to take advantage of your G-d-given skills. Yes, and your great work ethic is also a gift from G-d. With that attitude you can take "pleasure" in your accomplishments, as opposed to "pride."

Do that and you'll remain as humble and gracious as the great slugger, Mark McGwire appears to be.

When it comes to Winning Without Intimidation, humility goes a long way. It's an attitude of confidence and appreciation that people respond to in a very positive way. Humility allows you to see the other person's point of view as opposed to getting caught up in your own. People enjoy helping and working with those who have a truly humble attitude.

The following commentary is from a book I study every week entitled, "Tell It From The Torah" (http://www.amazon.com). I hope you enjoy it:

"This week's Torah portion states that 'The man Moses was very humble, more so than all the men on the face of the earth' (Numbers 12:3). Moses, undoubtedly the greatest leader B'Nai Yisroel (the Children of Israel) ever had, and the only human being able to confront G-d at will, is clearly a figure that we have to try to emulate.

What exactly does the Torah mean when it says that Moses was humble? Why is it so important, that our sages singled out its opposite - arrogance - as the root of all character flaws?

The Torah says: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' (Leviticus 19:18). In order to fulfill this commandment, it is obvious that one must first love himself! Yet how can we love ourselves without feeling arrogant and egocentric?

To understand what is needed of us, we should look at the moon. The moon, the greatest luminary we have at night, is only able to light our path because of the light it reflects from the sun.

So should we feel before G-d. One shouldn't belittle himself and think that he is worthless. One should shine out just as the moon does at night. Yet, just like the moon, it is important to realize that our abilities and specialties - our light - is a reflection of a greater Source. Whatever we have is given to us through G-d.

The feeling of dependence on G-d is a very uplifting one. A person who feels great because of his own powers, is limited to the extent of his own powers. However, one who recognizes that his gifts are from G-d, will never feel limited in his abilities.

Humility is the ability to love yourself but with the knowledge that your 'self' is but the reflection of the the greater 'Self' of G-d."

One of my favorite sayings is from Rabbi Noah Weinberg, Dean of the Aish HaTorah Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He relates, "The sages say that every person should always carry two slips of paper - one in the right pocket and one in the left. On one slip of paper should be written, 'The entire world was created just for me.' On the other paper should be written the words of Abraham, 'I am but dust and ashes' (Genesis 18:27).

In this way, we will be reminded that there are times to step forward, and times to step back. Of course, part of wisdom is knowing which slip of paper is appropriate at the present time."

Bob Burg http:www.burg.com is author of Endless Referrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales, Winning Without Intimidation and The Success Formula.

He has a full line of books, ebooks and CDs from which everyone can grow and prosper. Check them out by going to http:www.burg.com , then click on the link to his online store. Bob also publishes a free weekly ezine to which you can subscribe going to http://www.burg.com/newsletter.html.