הלכה על אבות 4:4

Conceit is a very bad character trait and it is forbidden to act [haughtily] even to the slightest degree, but accustom yourself to be humble in spirit, as our Sages of blessed memory have decreed,⁴Mishnah Avos 4:4. "Be exceedingly humble in spirit."⁵A person should be imbued with the spirit of humility, but outward demonstrations of humility are frowned upon. Chazal state in Berachos 34b, that a commoner should not bow at the end of each berachah of the Shemoneh esrei, to show his humility. By contrast, the king should do so. Rashi explains, that the greater the stature of a person, the more humility he must show. A show of humility by an ordinary person is, in a perverse way, a display of pride. (She’arim Metzuyanim Behalachah) And how can you accustom yourself to be modest and humble? All your words should be spoken gently, hold your head down, your eyes should look downward, but your heart upward, and in your eyes, consider all men to be greater than you are. If he is a greater Torah scholar than you, then it is your duty to honor him. Likewise, if he is richer than you, you must also honor him, as we read [in the Talmud] "Rebbi was wont to honor the rich."⁶Eruvin 86a. Think of it this way: "Since Hashem, praised be He, gave him riches he is evidently worthy of it." If he ranks lower than you in wisdom or riches, consider that he is more righteous than you; because if he commits a sin it is considered an unintentional or accidental sin, whereas, when you commit a sin it is considered an intentional sin. If you keep this in mind at all times, you will never be arrogant and all will be well with you.