The quality of humility is vital for one who seeks to study the Torah properly.

Rabbi Hanina bar Idi said: Why are matters of Torah likened to water, as it is written: “Ho, everyone thirsty, go to water” (Isaiah 55:1)? This verse serves to tell you: Just as water leaves a high place and flows to a low place, so too, matters of Torah are retained only by one whose spirit is humble.

Rabbi Oshaya said: Why are matters of Torah likened to these three liquids: to water, wine, and milk?... This serves to tell you: Just as these three liquids are maintained only in the lowliest of vessels, so too, matters of Torah are retained only by one whose spirit is humble. (Ta'anit 7a)