Boasting can often lead to pride and division among people. The Bible cautions against the dangers of boasting and emphasizes humility instead. Let’s explore the Scriptures that address this topic and how they encourage us to value humility over arrogance.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About preparing for the future
What Does The Bible Say About boasting
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 verse reminds us that true boasting should not be in worldly accomplishments or possessions, but rather in having the knowledge and understanding of God. It emphasizes the importance of knowing and recognizing the attributes of God – His kindness, justice, and righteousness – as the true sources of delight and worthiness of boasting.
When we boast in the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty and goodness, recognizing that all wisdom, strength, and riches ultimately come from Him. It humbles us and redirects our focus away from ourselves and towards God, leading to a deeper relationship with Him and a true understanding of what is truly valuable in life.
Psalm 34:2
I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
This verse proclaims the psalmist’s decision to boast in the Lord. By choosing to find glory, joy, and worth in God, the psalmist sets an example for others, specifically those who are afflicted or going through difficult times. It encourages them to also turn to the Lord and find their true source of joy and comfort.
When we boast in the Lord, we acknowledge His faithfulness and sovereignty over our circumstances. It is a declaration of trust and a reminder that our hope and joy are not dependent on our current situation, but on the unchanging character of God.
1 Corinthians 1:31
Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
This verse echoes the words of the prophet Jeremiah and emphasizes the importance of boasting in the Lord. It serves as a reminder that any boasting or exaltation should be centered on God and His work in our lives.
By boasting in the Lord, we acknowledge that our salvation and righteousness come from Him alone. It humbles us and directs our attention to the goodness, mercy, and grace of God, rather than promoting our own accomplishments or abilities.
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.
In this verse, the apostle Paul declares his commitment to boast only in the cross of Jesus Christ. He recognizes that the cross represents the ultimate sacrifice and redemption, through which the world’s power and allure lose their hold over him.
By boasting in the cross, we acknowledge the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection. It reminds us of our need for salvation and the great cost that was paid for our redemption. Boasting in the cross also frees us from the desire to find worth or value in the things of this world, as our identity is firmly rooted in Christ.
James 4:16
As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.
This verse serves as a warning against boasting in one’s own arrogant schemes or plans. It recognizes that self-centered boasting is rooted in pride and is contrary to the humble nature that God desires from His followers.
Boasting in our own plans or achievements can lead to a false sense of self-importance and a reliance on our own abilities. Instead, we are called to humbly submit to God’s will and trust in His guidance, recognizing that our true worth and purpose come from Him alone.
Proverbs 27:2
Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.
This verse highlights the importance of humility and refraining from self-promotion. It encourages us to allow others to recognize and commend our accomplishments instead of boasting about them ourselves.
Humility acknowledges that everything we have and achieve is ultimately a gift from God. It also fosters healthy relationships and prevents the temptation to seek validation or attention from others through self-praise.
Philippians 3:3
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.
As believers in Christ, we are called to boast in Him rather than placing our confidence in worldly accomplishments or abilities. This verse reminds us that our true identity and source of strength come from serving God by His Spirit.
Boasting in Christ reinforces our dependence on Him and our recognition that our righteousness and salvation are not based on our own efforts, but on the work of Jesus on the cross. It redirects our focus from ourselves to God, enabling us to live a life that honors and glorifies Him.
2 Corinthians 10:17
But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
This verse reiterates the importance of boasting in the Lord alone. It serves as a reminder that any boasting or exaltation should be centered on God and His transformative work in our lives.
In contrast to worldly boasting, boasting in the Lord acknowledges His power, grace, and faithfulness. It redirects our attention away from ourselves and emphasizes our dependence on God, recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal value.
Psalm 44:8
In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.
This verse expresses the psalmist’s commitment to continually boast in God and praise His name. It acknowledges God as the source of strength, deliverance, and salvation.
By boasting in God, we declare our trust in His unfailing love, power, and faithfulness. It is a testament to our reliance on Him and a reminder of His constant presence in our lives. Boasting in God also invites others to join in praising His name and experiencing His goodness.
1 Corinthians 4:7
For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
This verse challenges our tendency to boast in our own accomplishments or possessions as if they were solely the result of our efforts. It reminds us that everything we have is ultimately a gift from God.
Recognizing that all we have is from God cultivates humility and gratitude. It shifts our perspective from self-centered pride to a posture of thankfulness, acknowledging that any success or blessings are a result of God’s grace and goodness.
Psalm 44:6
I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;
In this verse, the psalmist declares his reliance on God rather than his own weapons or abilities for victory. It reflects an understanding that boasting in human strength or resources is futile in the face of God’s power and sovereignty.
Boasting in God’s strength and deliverance reminds us of His ability to overcome any obstacle or enemy. It invites us to surrender our self-reliance and place our trust in the One who is ultimately in control, acknowledging that our true success and victory come from Him alone.
James 1:9-10
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.
These verses offer a unique perspective on boasting by turning societal expectations upside down. Believers in humble circumstances are encouraged to take pride in their high position in Christ, while the rich are called to take pride in the recognition of their own vulnerability and temporary nature of worldly wealth.
This encourages humility for both the wealthy and the less fortunate, shifting our focus from material possessions and social status to the eternal significance of our position in Christ. It reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly wealth and the enduring value of our relationship with God.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
In these verses, the apostle Paul affirms his willingness to boast in his weaknesses, recognizing that it is through his weaknesses that Christ’s power is made evident. It is a testament to the sufficiency of God’s grace and the transformative work He can accomplish through our vulnerabilities.
Boasting in weakness allows us to shift our focus from our own abilities or accomplishments to relying on God’s strength and power. It is a recognition that true strength is found in surrendering to God and trusting in His ability to work in and through us, even in our areas of weakness.
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 boasting in our own accomplishments or receiving excessive praise from others. It recognizes that praise and recognition can be a test of character and humility.
When we are praised, it is important to remain humble and acknowledge that any praise is ultimately a reflection of God’s grace and provision. It reminds us to guard against pride and to constantly redirect our focus and boast in the Lord rather than ourselves.
Jeremiah 17:5
This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.
This verse warns against boasting or placing our trust solely in human strength or accomplishments rather than in the Lord. It exposes the futility of relying on our own abilities or the temporary support of others.
Boasting in the Lord requires us to recognize our inherent limitations and our need for divine help and guidance. It calls us to redirect our trust and reliance towards God, who is faithful, unchanging, and the true source of strength.
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 practice of comparing ourselves to others and boasting in our own achievements as a means of self-validation or superiority. It exposes the folly of seeking worth or identity through such comparisons.
Boasting in the Lord redirects our focus from striving to measure up to human standards or seeking validation from others. It recognizes that our true worth comes from being children of God, saved by His grace, and called to live according to His truth and purpose.
Psalm 105:3-4
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
These verses urge us to boast in the holy name of the Lord and find joy in seeking Him and His strength. It emphasizes the importance of consistently seeking His presence and guidance in our lives.
Boasting in God’s name acknowledges His attributes of holiness, power, and faithfulness. It reminds us that our true joy and strength are found in a relationship with Him and in alignment with His will. It invites us to continually seek His face and rely on Him in all circumstances.
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.
These verses emphasize the foundational truth that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, and not based on our own works or achievements. It negates any grounds for boasting in our own efforts or good deeds.
Boasting in the Lord recognizes that our salvation is entirely dependent on His grace. It helps us to understand that we are undeserving recipients of His love and mercy. It cultivates deep gratitude for the gift of salvation and directs our focus to the greatness and goodness of God.
Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
This verse warns against boasting or placing too much confidence in our own plans or assumptions about the future. It acknowledges the uncertainty of life and reminds us of our need to surrender to God’s will and guidance.
Boasting in the Lord requires us to let go of our own agenda and trust in His sovereignty over our lives. It encourages us to approach each day with humility, recognizing that our lives are in His hands and that our true worth is not determined by worldly achievements or future plans.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18
You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.
These verses caution against boasting in our own abilities or personal achievements, especially in the context of material wealth. They remind us that everything we have is ultimately a gift from God, and it is He who enables us to prosper.
Boasting in the Lord involves recognizing our dependence on Him and giving Him credit for our accomplishments. It fosters gratitude and a willingness to use the resources and blessings we have received for His glory and the benefit of others.
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
In this verse, the psalmist highlights the contrast between those who trust in human strength or resources and those who trust in the name of the Lord. It serves as a reminder that our ultimate confidence and boasting should be in God alone.
Boasting in the Lord rejects reliance on worldly power or material possessions. It affirms our trust in the faithfulness and provision of God, even in the face of difficulties or challenges. It encourages us to place our hope in His unfailing love and to find strength and security in His presence.
Psalm 44:21
would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?
This verse acknowledges God’s omniscience and his ability to discern the true motives of the heart. It reminds us that any self-serving or prideful boasting is ultimately known and exposed by God.
Boasting in the Lord requires honesty and authenticity, recognizing that God sees not only our external actions but also the intentions of our hearts. It reminds us to cultivate a humble and genuine heart posture as we seek to honor and glorify God in all that we do.