Pride has long been regarded as a stumbling block on the path to spiritual growth, and bragging is one of its manifestations. The Bible offers stern warnings against boasting and instead encourages humility and gratitude. Join us as we explore verses that caution against the pitfalls of bragging and inspire us to cultivate a spirit of humility and modesty.
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Bible Verses About Bragging
Proverbs 27:2
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
This verse reminds us to avoid the temptation of bragging about ourselves. It encourages humility and modesty, emphasizing that it is better to receive praise from others than to boast about our own accomplishments.
James 4:16
“As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”
This verse warns against the sin of boasting in our own plans and abilities. It reminds us that arrogance and pride are displeasing to God and can lead us astray. Instead, we should approach life with humility and reliance on God’s guidance.
Proverbs 27:21
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.”
This verse highlights the danger of being too focused on the praise and admiration of others. It suggests that our character is truly tested when we are faced with praise and acclaim. It encourages us to remain humble and focused on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of others.
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 cautions against delving into matters that are beyond our understanding or seeking after knowledge that is not necessary or beneficial. Similarly, it warns against boasting or flaunting knowledge that may only inflate one’s pride. Instead, we should seek wisdom and understanding in humility.
Psalm 75:4
“To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.”
This verse serves as a reminder to those who are arrogant and wicked to not boast or exalt themselves. It is a warning against pride and a call to humility, urging individuals to recognize their dependence on God and their need for His grace.
Proverbs 27:1
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
This verse cautions against boasting or making arrogant plans for the future. It reminds us that we do not have control over the events and circumstances of tomorrow. Instead, we should humbly seek God’s will and trust Him with our future.
Psalm 10:3-4
“For the wicked boasts about the cravings of their heart’s desire; the greedy blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In their arrogance, the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts, there is no room for God.”
This verse describes the arrogance of the wicked, who boast about their own desires and blessings while disregarding God. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom and fulfillment are found in seeking and serving the Lord, not in self-centered pride.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships and the mutual benefit that comes from sharpening one another. It encourages us to surround ourselves with wise and godly friends who can challenge and inspire us, reminding us to humbly learn from others instead of boasting in our own wisdom.
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 believers to have an accurate and humble view of themselves. It discourages pride and self-exaltation, instead urging individuals to recognize their uniqueness and contribution within the body of Christ. It reminds us to use our gifts and abilities humbly and for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
This verse is a well-known passage on the characteristics of love. It highlights that love is not boastful or prideful but rather demonstrates humility and selflessness. It serves as a reminder to Christians to prioritize love over self-aggrandizement and to live in a way that reflects God’s love for us.
2 Corinthians 10:17
“But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'”
This verse directs our focus away from self-praise and encourages us to boast in the Lord instead. It reminds us that any accomplishments or blessings we have are ultimately from God, and He alone deserves credit and honor. By boasting in the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty and give Him the glory He deserves.
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 powerful verse challenges our priorities and encourages us to focus on what truly matters. It advises against boasting in wisdom, strength, or wealth and instead highlights the importance of knowing and acknowledging God. It calls us to boast in our relationship with Him and His character of kindness, justice, and righteousness.
Proverbs 21:4
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart– the unplowed field of the wicked–produce sin.”
This verse describes the correlation between pride and sin. It highlights that a proud heart and an arrogant demeanor can lead to a life filled with sin and rebellion against God. It advises against such attitudes and encourages us to cultivate humility and a contrite heart.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This well-known proverb cautions against the dangers of pride and arrogance. It emphasizes that pride ultimately leads to destruction and downfall. It serves as a reminder to humble ourselves before God, relying on His strength and guidance rather than our own abilities.
Proverbs 30:32
“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth!”
This verse urges us to exercise self-restraint and to guard our tongues. It cautions against the foolishness of self-exaltation and the planning of evil. It serves as a reminder to think before we speak and to be cautious about the words we use to boast or harm others.
Psalm 34:2
“I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”
This verse demonstrates the proper attitude of glorying in the Lord. It encourages us to find our joy and boast in God alone, acknowledging His faithfulness and goodness even in the midst of affliction. It sets an example of humble praise and adoration to inspire others.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
This verse instructs believers to abandon self-centeredness and vanity. It advises against harboring selfish ambitions or boasting about one’s own achievements. Instead, it encourages us to humbly prioritize the needs and interests of others, reflecting the selfless love of Christ.
Proverbs 29:23
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
This verse contrasts the consequences of pride and humility. It warns that pride will ultimately lead to a person’s downfall, while humility will bring honor. It serves as a reminder to choose humility and avoid the destructive path of pride.
Psalm 44:8
“In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.”
This verse encourages us to boast in God and His faithfulness. It expresses the desire to continually acknowledge and praise His name, recognizing that all we have and accomplish is because of Him. It serves as a reminder to shift our focus from ourselves to glorifying God.
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 well-known passage emphasizes that our salvation is a gift from God and not something we can earn through our own efforts. It reminds us that we have nothing to boast about except for the grace of God. It humbles us and highlights the undeserved nature of our redemption.
Jeremiah 13:17
“But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the LORD’s flock will be taken captive.”
This verse reveals God’s heartache and sorrow over the pride and disobedience of His people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of pride and the consequences it can bring. It calls us to examine our own hearts and turn away from pride, seeking God’s forgiveness and guidance.
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.”
This verse directs our attention to the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. It reminds us that our true source of pride and boast should always be in what Jesus has done for us. It encourages us to align ourselves with Christ, forsaking worldly pursuits and identifying with Him in love and surrender.
Psalm 94:4
“They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.”
This verse reveals the attitude and actions of those who commit evil deeds. It warns against the arrogance and boasting that often accompany unrighteousness. It serves as a reminder to evaluate our own words and actions, ensuring that they reflect God’s truth and love rather than arrogance and pride.
Proverbs 26:12
“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
This verse highlights the folly and arrogance of those who consider themselves wise in their own eyes. It suggests that such self-perceived wisdom is deceptive and detrimental. It serves as a warning against pride and an encouragement to humble ourselves and seek true wisdom from God.
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 cautions against the folly of comparing ourselves with others and boasting in our own accomplishments. It reminds us that true wisdom comes from acknowledging our own limitations and relying on God’s evaluation of us. It encourages us to resist the temptation of self-promotion and instead trust in God’s plan and purpose for our lives.
What Does the Bible Say About Bragging?
In the Bible, bragging or boasting is often discouraged. The Book of Proverbs warns against pride and boasting, stating that “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18, ESV). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians, urging them not to boast or brag in themselves, but to boast in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). Boasting in oneself and one’s accomplishments is considered arrogant and contrary to the humility that Christians are called to live out.
Instead, the Bible encourages us to be humble and to acknowledge that any abilities or successes we have are ultimately gifts from God. In the book of James, we are reminded that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17, NIV). Our focus should be on giving glory to God for what He has done in and through us, rather than elevating ourselves through boasting.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches that love does not boast (1 Corinthians 13:4), emphasizing the importance of humility and putting others before ourselves. Jesus himself provided the ultimate example of humility, as He humbled himself to the point of death on a cross, demonstrating the servant-hearted attitude that we are called to emulate (Philippians 2:5-8).
Therefore, as Christians, we are called to resist the temptation to boast about our own achievements and instead, to humbly give credit to God for any successes we may have. Our focus should be on exalting the Lord rather than ourselves, and on loving and serving others in a spirit of humility and grace.