What is the difference between diffidence and humility?

Answer 1

The definition of diffidence is the state of being diffident. Diffident is lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy. Restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc.

Humilityis from the world humble, which is defined as:
1. not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful.
2. having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.: In the presence of so many world-famous writers I felt very humble.
3. low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; lowly: of humble origin; a humble home.
4. courteously respectful: In my humble opinion you are wrong.
5. low in height, level, etc.; small in size: a humble member of the galaxy.
–verb (used with object) 6. to lower in condition, importance, or dignity; abase.
7. to destroy the independence, power, or will of.
8. to make meek:

So, depending on the definition they can mean the same thing. Or humble can be the opposite of arrogant.

Answer 2

The way I see it, diffidence is the opposite of CONfidence...that is, the feeling of inadequacy. It seems to me that while deffidence can be a hindrance, since it can be an excuse for lack of progress or purpose, humility is a virtue, because one who is humble has an appropriate view of himself in relation to others such that he or she will accept cousel. And everybody knows the old saying: Two is better than one. Or if you want to put it in Biblical terms, Proverbs 15:22 says: “In the multitude of counselors there is accomplishment.” (New World Translation Version of the Holy Scriptures)