Boastfulness often stems from pride and self-focus, traits that the Bible warns against. God calls us to walk humbly and trust Him for our achievements. Today, we’ll look at why boastfulness can harm relationships and how to embrace humility instead.
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What Does The Bible Say About Boastfulness
Psalm 94:4
“They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast.”
This verse highlights the sinful nature of boasting. Those who engage in evil often boast proudly about their actions, displaying an arrogant attitude.
Boasting in one’s own abilities or accomplishments can lead to pride and a self-centered mindset, distancing us from God’s grace and humility.
Proverbs 27:1
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”
This verse reminds us not to boast or be overly confident in our future plans or achievements. We should acknowledge our limitations and dependence on God’s guidance and provision.
Instead of proudly boasting about our future, we should humbly submit our plans to the Lord, seeking His will and trusting in His perfect timing.
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.”
In this passage, God emphasizes that true boasting should not revolve around human attributes or achievements, but rather in knowing and understanding Him. God delights in kindness, justice, and righteousness, and our boast should be found in our relationship with Him.
By recognizing and boasting in God’s character, we shift our focus from ourselves to the One who deserves all glory and honor.
Romans 2:23-24
“You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: ‘God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.'”
Paul confronts those who boasted their knowledge and adherence to the law, reminding them that their actions should align with their words. Boasting in religious practices while neglecting to live according to God’s standards results in dishonoring God and tarnishing His reputation.
Our lives should reflect the truth we proclaim, bringing glory to God rather than causing others to speak ill of Him.
1 Corinthians 1:31
“Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'”
Paul quotes Jeremiah 9:24, reinforcing the idea that our only rightful boast is in the Lord. Our salvation, wisdom, strength, and righteousness all come from Him alone.
By boasting in the Lord, we acknowledge our total dependence on Him and give glory to the One who deserves it all.
2 Corinthians 10:17
“But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'”
This verse echoes the previous message, reminding us that our boasting should always be directed toward the Lord. Any accomplishments or victories we experience are ultimately because of His grace and power at work within us.
As we boast in the Lord, we declare our trust and confidence in Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and faithfulness.
Galatians 6:14
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Paul emphasizes that the only worthy object of our boasting is the cross of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, the world and its empty promises lose their hold on us.
By boasting in the cross, we declare our identity in Christ and our freedom from the values and pursuits of this world.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
This verse emphasizes that our salvation is a gift from God, not something we earned through our own efforts. We cannot boast in our works, as they play no role in securing our salvation.
Instead, we humbly acknowledge that our redemption is solely due to God’s grace and respond with gratitude and obedience.
James 4:16
“As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”
James warns against boasting in our own plans and schemes, reminding us that such arrogance is sinful. Trusting in ourselves and our own wisdom instead of seeking God’s guidance leads to pride and self-destruction.
Instead, we should humbly submit our plans to God, seeking His will and trusting in His wisdom to guide our steps.
1 John 2:16-17
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
This passage highlights the dangers of worldly boasting and pride. The desires and pursuits of this world are temporary and fleeting, in contrast to the eternal significance of doing God’s will.
Our focus should be on aligning our lives with God’s purposes, seeking His glory rather than our own temporary satisfaction.
Job 12:2
“Doubtless you are the only people who matter, and wisdom will die with you!”
Job’s sarcasm points out the folly of boastful arrogance. Those who boast in their wisdom or importance fail to recognize their limited perspective and understanding.
True wisdom comes from acknowledging our dependence on God and His infinite knowledge, rather than relying on our own limited wisdom.
Psalm 49:6-7
“Those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—”
This passage reminds us that boasting in worldly wealth is futile. No amount of riches can provide eternal salvation or deliverance from the consequences of sin.
Our trust and confidence should be solely in God, who alone can provide true redemption and eternal security.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse teaches us that boasting in mistreatment or neglect of others is sinful. Instead, we should aim to be generous and compassionate toward the less fortunate.
Our boast should be found in acts of kindness and selflessness, reflecting God’s love for all people.
Proverbs 27:2
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
This verse encourages humility and warns against self-promotion. Boasting about our own achievements or qualities can easily become a manifestation of pride.
Rather than praising ourselves, we should allow others to recognize and commend our accomplishments, trusting that our true worth comes from God.
Isaiah 44:25
“who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense,”
This verse reminds us that even the wisdom of the wise can be futile and meaningless in light of God’s power and knowledge.
We should not boast in our own intelligence or understanding, but instead humbly submit to God’s wisdom and guidance.
Psalm 119:85
“The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law.”
This verse speaks of the schemes and traps laid out by the arrogant to harm others. Boasting in one’s own power or influence often leads to injustice and oppression.
We should reject such arrogance and instead walk in obedience to God’s law, promoting justice and compassion for all.
Luke 18:9-14
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'”
This parable illustrates the danger of boasting in our own righteousness and looking down on others. The Pharisee’s self-righteousness blinded him to his own sinfulness and need for God’s mercy.
True justification before God comes through humble recognition of our own brokenness and complete reliance on His grace alone.
Jeremiah 48:29
“We have heard of Moab’s pride—how great is her arrogance!—of her insolence, her pride, her conceit, and the haughtiness of her heart.”
Moab’s excessive pride and arrogance serve as a warning against falling into the trap of boasting. Pride blinds us to our own flaws and hinders our ability to seek God and His guidance.
Instead of boasting in ourselves, we should cultivate humility and acknowledge our constant need for God’s grace.
Proverbs 25:27
“It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.”
This verse warns against the pursuit of excessive knowledge or wisdom that leads to arrogance. Instead of boasting in our own intelligence or understanding, we should humbly recognize the limitations of human wisdom.
We are called to seek God’s wisdom and trust in His understanding rather than our own.
Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
This verse speaks of the danger of envying the boastful and arrogant. When we focus on their worldly success, we can become discouraged and lose sight of the true blessings found in a relationship with God.
Instead of longing for the temporary wealth or recognition of the proud, we should find contentment and satisfaction in God’s presence and promises.
Isaiah 10:15
“Does the ax raise itself above the person who swings it, or the saw boast against the one who uses it? As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up, or a club brandish the one who is not wood!”
This analogy highlights the absurdity of boasting and exalting oneself as if we were greater than the One who created and sustains us.
Boasting in our own abilities or accomplishments denies the reality that our very existence and everything we have comes from God.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Paul reminds us to reject selfish ambition and vain conceit, which often lead to boastfulness. Instead, we are called to embrace humility and prioritize the needs and interests of others.
By valuing and serving others, we reflect the selfless love of Christ and avoid the pitfalls of pride and boasting.