What Does The Bible Say About bragging? (25 Bible Verses)

Bragging is something we’ve all encountered, and maybe even done ourselves. But what does the Bible have to say about it? Scripture has a lot to teach about the dangers of boasting and the importance of humility. Let’s explore how the Bible guides us in understanding the effects of bragging and how to cultivate a spirit of humility instead.

Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About insecurity

What Does The Bible Say About bragging

Proverbs 27:2

Praise no one for their looks alone; a wise person can discern who is best.

This verse reminds us that true worth and value are not found in our outward appearance or achievements. It encourages us to focus on the qualities that truly matter, such as wisdom and character, rather than boasting about physical attributes.

We should be cautious not to brag about superficial things or seek validation based on shallow standards. Instead, let’s strive to cultivate inner qualities and virtues that bring lasting fulfillment and earn the respect of others.

Proverbs 27:21

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.

This verse reminds us that praise and adulation can be a test of our character. It is easy to become proud and boastful when we receive accolades and recognition from others. However, true humility comes from recognizing that all our achievements and abilities are gifts from God.

We should be cautious not to let praise inflate our ego or cause us to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. Instead, let’s remain grateful, humble, and aware that any success we experience is ultimately due to the grace of God.

Proverbs 25:27

It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honor for yourself.

This verse serves as a reminder that seeking personal honor and glory is not beneficial or wise. Just as indulging in too much honey can lead to negative consequences, seeking excessive recognition can lead to pride and arrogance.

Instead of seeking personal accolades, we should aim to humbly serve others, prioritizing their needs over our own desire for recognition. True contentment and fulfillment come from using our gifts and abilities to positively impact others, rather than focusing on self-promotion.

1 Corinthians 1:31

Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

This verse encourages us to redirect our boastfulness and pride toward the Lord. Rather than bragging about our own accomplishments or abilities, we should boast in the goodness, faithfulness, and power of God.

Recognizing that everything we have and achieve is ultimately from God keeps us grounded and humble. It reminds us that we are merely vessels through which God’s grace and love flows, and any success we experience is a testament to His provision and guidance.

2 Corinthians 10:17

But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of boasting in the Lord and His work in our lives. Rather than taking credit for our achievements or seeking validation from others, we should acknowledge that our abilities and successes are ultimately gifts from God.

By boasting in the Lord, we shift the focus away from ourselves and towards the one who deserves all glory and honor. It is a reflection of our gratitude and dependence on God, recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

This passage highlights the futility of boasting in worldly wisdom, strength, or riches. Instead, our true boast should be in knowing and understanding God. True understanding comes from recognizing and experiencing His kindness, justice, and righteousness.

Genuine fulfillment and meaning are found in our relationship with God, not in our possessions, achievements, or knowledge. Let us boast in the Lord and His character, which leads us to a life filled with purpose, compassion, and righteousness.

James 4:16

As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.

This verse challenges us to examine our motives when we boast. Boasting about our own plans and schemes with arrogance is considered evil. It reveals a heart that is self-centered and prideful.

Instead, let us seek humility, recognizing that the good in our lives comes from God’s grace and guidance. Rather than boasting about our own achievements, let us boast in the opportunities God provides to serve and bless others.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

This verse is a cautionary reminder about the consequences of pride and arrogance. When we become boastful and think of ourselves more highly than we should, it leads to destruction and downfall.

Humility is a virtue that protects us from the destructive path of pride. By acknowledging our limitations and depending on God’s strength, we avoid the pitfalls that come with a haughty spirit and instead find true success and fulfillment in Him.

Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

This verse emphasizes the negative consequences of pride and the contrasting benefits of humility. When we allow pride to take hold of our hearts, it eventually leads to disgrace and downfall.

True wisdom and understanding come from a humble and teachable spirit. By humbling ourselves before God and others, we open ourselves up to receive the wisdom that leads to righteous decisions, healthy relationships, and a life that honors God.

Galatians 6:14

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

As believers, our ultimate source of boasting should be in the cross of Jesus Christ. It is through His sacrificial death and resurrection that we find salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Boasting in the cross reminds us of the magnitude of God’s love, the depth of our own brokenness and need for redemption, and the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives. In light of this, let us boast in the cross and strive to live lives that reflect the love and sacrifice of our Savior.

Psalm 34:2

I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

This verse encourages us to find our glory and boast in the Lord. When we acknowledge and exalt God’s goodness and faithfulness, it brings joy and hope not only to ourselves but also to those who are suffering or going through difficult times.

Our praise and boasting in the Lord can be a powerful testimony of His faithfulness and bring encouragement to others, reminding them that God is present and active in their circumstances. Let our lives be filled with joyful praise, sharing the good news of God’s love and salvation.

Psalm 44:8

In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.

This verse emphasizes the importance of making our boast in God continuously. Our praise and declaration of God’s goodness should be a constant and ongoing expression of our faith and gratitude.

By boasting in God all day long, we align our hearts and minds with an eternal perspective. It reminds us of His faithfulness and the reasons we have to give Him praise. May our lives be filled with unceasing praise and worship.

Psalm 44:21

would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?

This verse serves as a reminder that God knows the secrets of our hearts. Even if we try to hide our boastfulness or pride from others, we cannot hide it from God.

Recognizing God’s omniscience should humble us and lead us to examine our hearts and motives. Let us seek to cultivate genuine humility, knowing that God sees and evaluates the innermost intentions of our hearts.

Luke 18:14

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

This verse reminds us of the importance of humility before God. It tells the parable of a humble tax collector who acknowledged his need for mercy and forgiveness, contrasting him with a prideful Pharisee who boasted about his righteousness.

God values a humble heart, and those who exalt themselves will eventually be humbled. However, those who humble themselves before God will be exalted and uplifted by His grace and favor. Let us choose the path of humility and receive God’s abundant blessings.

Proverbs 27:1

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

This verse serves as a reminder of our finite understanding and the uncertainty of the future. Since we do not know what each day holds, it is unwise to boast or rely on our own plans and assumptions.

Instead, let us approach each day with humility and dependence on God, seeking His guidance and surrendering our plans to His wisdom. Recognizing our limitations and trusting in God’s sovereignty helps us live with humility and reliance on His perfect will.

Proverbs 25:14

Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.

This verse presents the image of clouds and wind without rain to illustrate the emptiness of boasting about gifts and promises that are never fulfilled. It is deceptive and disappointing when someone boasts about things they do not follow through on.

Let our words be rooted in honesty and integrity, avoiding empty boasts or false promises. May we strive to fulfill our commitments and bring true blessings to others through our actions, rather than merely speaking empty words.

Proverbs 30:32-33

If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.

This passage warns against the folly of exalting oneself and indulging in evil intentions. It advises us to practice self-restraint and think before speaking or acting in ways that promote conflict or harm.

Just as specific actions lead to specific results, stirring up anger leads to discord and strife. Let us seek to be peacemakers, promoting understanding and unity rather than boasting or stirring up anger in our interactions with others.

Romans 12:3

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

This verse encourages us to have a sober and balanced view of ourselves. It reminds us not to think too highly of ourselves or boastful, but to acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses with humility and gratitude.

Recognizing that our abilities and achievements are gifts from God helps us maintain a healthy perspective. Let us value the unique abilities and contributions of others while embracing our own with gratitude and humility.

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

This verse highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. Jealousy can fuel boastful attitudes and lead to harmful actions as we seek to outdo or undermine others.

Instead of succumbing to jealousy and envy, let us celebrate the successes and blessings of others. A humble heart refrains from comparing and competing but rejoices in the unique gifts and callings of each individual.

2 Corinthians 10:12

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

This verse reminds us of the danger of comparing ourselves to others and seeking validation through self-promotion. It warns against the foolishness of using others as our measuring stick for success or worth.

Instead, let us find our identity and worth in Christ, recognizing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Our focus should be on living according to His standards and fulfilling the unique purpose He has for each of our lives.