Boasting is often linked to pride, which the Bible warns us to avoid. Instead, Scripture encourages humility and trust in God’s provision. Today, we’ll see how the Bible addresses boastful attitudes and their impact on our relationship with God and others.
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What Does The Bible Say About Boastful
Proverbs 27:1
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
This verse reminds us that boasting about future plans or achievements is futile, as we cannot predict what the future holds. It encourages us to live in the present and humbly acknowledge our dependence on God.
Psalm 34:2
“My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”
Here, the psalmist declares that their only source of boasting is in the Lord. It emphasizes the joy and comfort found in acknowledging God’s faithfulness and goodness, even in times of affliction.
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 that true boasting should not be in earthly achievements, but in knowing and understanding God. The Lord delights in those who seek to know Him, follow His ways, and prioritize kindness, justice, and righteousness.
James 4:13-14
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
This passage warns against boastful planning and self-reliance. It reminds us of the brevity and uncertainty of life, urging humility and reliance on God’s guidance rather than arrogant boasting about our own plans and ambitions.
1 Corinthians 1:31
“Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'”
Paul quotes from the Old Testament to reiterate the principle of boasting only in the Lord. In Christ, we find true reason for boasting, recognizing that our righteousness and salvation are found in Him alone.
Proverbs 25:14
“Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.”
This verse illustrates the emptiness and disappointment that comes from boasting about things that are not backed by action. It warns against making false claims and emphasizes the importance of genuine action and follow-through.
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 declares his resolve to boast solely in the cross of Christ. Through His sacrifice, the world loses its hold on believers, and they are transformed. This verse emphasizes the centrality of Christ’s work in our lives and the need to find our greatest pride and joy in Him.
Psalm 55:21
“His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.”
This verse warns against boasting through deceitful and manipulative speech. It highlights the danger of those who appear comforting or friendly on the surface but have harmful intentions beneath the facade.
1 John 2:16
“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.”
This verse reminds us that earthly boasting often stems from the prideful desires of the flesh and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. True boasting should be rooted in our relationship with God, not in temporary and empty worldly pursuits.
2 Corinthians 10:17
“But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'”
Similar to the previous verse quoted in 1 Corinthians, Paul reiterates the importance of boasting only in the Lord. In Him, we find the true source of significance and worth, rather than finding it in our own accomplishments.
Proverbs 27:2
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
This verse advises against self-promotion and boasting. It encourages humility by acknowledging the value of external praise and recognition rather than seeking self-glorification.
Luke 18:14
“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 verse teaches the importance of humility before God. Those who boast and exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humbly recognize their need for God’s mercy and grace will be lifted up by Him.
Proverbs 27:21
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.”
This verse highlights the refining effect of praise. It reminds us that true character is revealed not in boasting or receiving accolades, but in how we respond to praise and whether it leads us to humility or pride.
Psalm 75:4
“To the arrogant, I say, ‘Boasting is not for you.'”
This straightforward verse reminds the arrogant that boasting is not fitting for them. It serves as a rebuke to prideful individuals and underscores the importance of humility and a right perspective of oneself.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This well-known verse warns about the consequences of pride and boasting. It highlights how an arrogant spirit can lead to downfall and stresses the importance of embracing humility over self-glorification.
James 3:5
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
This verse draws attention to the destructive power of boasting and the impact that our words can have. It serves as a cautionary reminder to be mindful of the words we speak and to guard against using them to boast or inflame conflicts.
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.”
This verse describes Moab’s pride and arrogance, emphasizing the negative consequences of such behavior. It serves as a warning against the dangers of boastfulness and the importance of cultivating a humble heart.
Isaiah 23:9
“The LORD Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.”
This verse speaks of God’s plan to humble the proud and bring down their arrogance. It highlights God’s sovereignty and the reality that boastful pride will ultimately be brought low.
Proverbs 29:23
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
This wisdom verse contrasts the outcomes of pride and humility. Pride leads to destruction and decreased status, while a humble spirit is rewarded with honor. It reinforces the importance of choosing humility over boasting.
Psalm 17:10
“They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.”
This verse describes those who are boastful and arrogant, highlighting their callousness of heart and how it is reflected in their haughty speech. It serves as a reminder to guard our hearts against pride and to speak with humility and 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 cautions against seeking recognition or boasting about intellectual or spiritual knowledge that is beyond one’s grasp. It encourages humility and warns against the pursuit of prideful ambitions.
Psalm 78:8
“They would not be like their ancestors— a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.”
This verse speaks of the disobedience and pride of past generations who failed to remain faithful to God. It reminds us of the importance of loyalty and faithfulness towards God, cautioning against the same prideful attitudes that led to their downfall.
1 Timothy 6:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
This verse warns against the arrogance that can come with material wealth. It encourages a perspective shift, emphasizing the need to place our hope in God and recognize Him as the ultimate provider of all good things.
Proverbs 27:2
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
This verse advises against self-promotion and boasting. It encourages humility by acknowledging the value of external praise and recognition rather than seeking self-glorification.
Luke 18:14
“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 verse teaches the importance of humility before God. Those who boast and exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humbly recognize their need for God’s mercy and grace will be lifted up by Him.
Proverbs 27:21
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.”
This verse highlights the refining effect of praise. It reminds us that true character is revealed not in boasting or receiving accolades, but in how we respond to praise and whether it leads us to humility or pride.
Psalm 75:4
“To the arrogant, I say, ‘Boasting is not for you.'”
This straightforward verse reminds the arrogant that boasting is not fitting for them. It serves as a rebuke to prideful individuals and underscores the importance of humility and a right perspective of oneself.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This well-known verse warns about the consequences of pride and boasting. It highlights how an arrogant spirit can lead to downfall and stresses the importance of embracing humility over self-glorification.
James 3:5
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
This verse draws attention to the destructive power of boasting and the impact that our words can have. It serves as a cautionary reminder to be mindful of the words we speak and to guard against using them to boast or inflame conflicts.
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.”
This verse describes Moab’s pride and arrogance, emphasizing the negative consequences of such behavior. It serves as a warning against the dangers of boastfulness and the importance of cultivating a humble heart.
Isaiah 23:9
“The LORD Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.”
This verse speaks of God’s plan to humble the proud and bring down their arrogance. It highlights God’s sovereignty and the reality that boastful pride will ultimately be brought low.
Proverbs 29:23
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
This wisdom verse contrasts the outcomes of pride and humility. Pride leads to destruction and decreased status, while a humble spirit is rewarded with honor. It reinforces the importance of choosing humility over boasting.
Psalm 17:10
“They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.”
This verse describes those who are boastful and arrogant, highlighting their callousness of heart and how it is reflected in their haughty speech. It serves as a reminder to guard our hearts against pride and to speak with humility and 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 cautions against seeking recognition or boasting about intellectual or spiritual knowledge that is beyond one’s grasp. It encourages humility and warns against the pursuit of prideful ambitions.
Psalm 78:8
“They would not be like their ancestors— a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.”
This verse speaks of the disobedience and pride of past generations who failed to remain faithful to God. It reminds us of the importance of loyalty and faithfulness towards God, cautioning against the same prideful attitudes that led to their downfall.
1 Timothy 6:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
This verse warns against the arrogance that can come with material wealth. It encourages a perspective shift, emphasizing the need to place our hope in God and recognize Him as the ultimate provider of all good things.