We all like to share our successes, but what does God say about bragging? Today, we’ll explore why the Bible warns us against boasting and how humility brings us closer to God. By focusing on God’s grace, we find real joy without needing to boast.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Chosen
What Does The Bible Say About Boasting And 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 not to boast about ourselves or seek our own praise. Instead, we should focus on allowing others to acknowledge and commend our accomplishments.
Boasting and bragging are rooted in pride and can be harmful to our relationships and humility. By humbly accepting praise from others, we demonstrate a willingness to recognize the contributions of others and maintain a healthy perspective on our own abilities.
Proverbs 27:21
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.”
This verse highlights the importance of how we handle praise. Just as metals are purified through intense heat, our character is tested by the praise we receive.
When we receive praise, it is an opportunity to practice humility, gratitude, and acknowledging that our abilities are gifts from God. It is also a chance to remain grounded and not let pride or arrogance creep in.
Proverbs 27:3
“Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.”
This verse speaks to the weight and burden that comes with the foolishness of boasting and bragging. A fool’s provocation carries negative consequences and can harm relationships and reputations.
It serves as a reminder that we should be cautious with our words and not seek to provoke or boast in a way that belittles or hurts others. Wise words and humility can lighten the burdens we carry and foster healthy relationships.
Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
While not directly addressing boasting and bragging, this verse highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. Boasting can often stem from a place of envy or a desire to outdo others.
We are reminded of the harmful effects jealousy can have on our relationships and the importance of contentment. Instead of boasting, we should focus on developing a grateful heart and celebrating the successes of 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 balanced and humble view of ourselves. We are called to avoid thinking too highly of ourselves and instead recognize that our abilities and talents come from God’s grace.
By acknowledging God’s role in our lives and embracing a humble perspective, we can avoid the temptation to boast or brag. This verse reminds us to have a healthy self-assessment and to use our gifts for God’s glory.
James 4:16
“As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”
This verse sternly warns against boasting in our own plans and schemes, emphasizing that such boasting is rooted in arrogance and is considered evil.
It serves as a reminder to prioritize God’s plans and seek His guidance rather than relying on our own abilities. By focusing on His will and acknowledging our dependence on Him, we can avoid the temptation to boast in our own accomplishments and instead give glory to God.
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 encourages moderation and humility in our pursuits. It warns against diving too deeply into matters beyond our understanding and seeking to boast about our knowledge or wisdom.
Humility requires acknowledging our limits and being content with the knowledge and understanding that we have been given. By avoiding the temptation to boast about our intellect or understanding, we can maintain healthy relationships and demonstrate humility.
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 teaches us the true nature of boasting. Instead of boasting in worldly attributes such as wisdom, strength, or riches, we are called to boast in our relationship with God and our understanding of His character.
True boasting comes from recognizing and proclaiming the kindness, justice, and righteousness of the Lord. By boasting in God and His attributes, we redirect attention away from ourselves and give glory to the one who deserves it.
1 Corinthians 1:31
“Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
A direct reference to Jeremiah 9:23-24, this verse reiterates the call to boast in the Lord. Our ultimate source of pride and confidence should be in the Lord and His faithfulness.
By boasting in the Lord, we shift our focus from our own achievements to the unchanging character of God. It is a reminder that all good things come from Him, and we can trust in His provision and guidance.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This verse warns of the dangers of pride and how it can lead to destruction and downfall. Boasting and bragging often stem from pride, and this verse serves as a caution against such behavior.
It reminds us to cultivate humility and to guard against the temptation to elevate ourselves above others. By acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God, we can avoid the destructive consequences that pride can bring.
2 Corinthians 10:17
“But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'”
Similar to 1 Corinthians 1:31, this verse reinforces the idea that our boasting should be in the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of redirecting our praise and acknowledging God as the source of all good things.
When we boast in the Lord, we display a heart of gratitude and humility. We recognize that all our accomplishments and blessings are gifts from Him and give credit where it is truly due.
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 highlights the ultimate reason for our boasting: the cross of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that our salvation and redemption are found in Him alone, and we have every reason to boast in the work He accomplished on the cross.
By boasting in the cross, we acknowledge our dependence on Jesus and the transformative power of His sacrifice. It is a reminder to shift our focus from earthly achievements to the eternal victory we have in Christ.
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.”
Although not explicitly addressing boasting and bragging, this verse serves as a cautionary example of the consequences of pride, which often accompanies such behavior.
It reminds us that pride, arrogance, and conceit can lead to destruction and downfall. By recognizing the dangers of these attitudes, we can guard our hearts against boasting and instead cultivate humility and gratitude.
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 emphasizes the folly of thinking too highly of oneself and being wise in our own eyes. It highlights the danger of arrogance and self-importance.
When we boast and think ourselves wise, we close ourselves off to learning and growing. It is a reminder to approach life with humility and a willingness to acknowledge our limitations and the wisdom of others.
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.”
While not specifically about boasting, this verse speaks to the negative attributes that often fuel our desire to boast. The pride of life, a worldly mindset, can lead us down a path of self-exaltation and arrogance.
By recognizing that these worldly desires do not come from the Father, we can guard our hearts against the temptation to boast and instead cultivate humility and contentment in Him.
Proverbs 29:23
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
This verse illustrates the consequences of pride and the benefits of humility. Boasting and bragging arise from a prideful spirit, which ultimately leads to being brought low.
On the contrary, those who are lowly in spirit, who demonstrate humility and a willingness to acknowledge their need for God, will ultimately find honor and exaltation in His sight.
Isaiah 2:12
“The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled).”
This verse serves as a sobering reminder that God opposes the proud and lofty. It speaks to the ultimate fate of those who engage in prideful and boastful behavior.
By recognizing God’s ultimate authority and judgment, we are called to humility and to avoid the pitfalls of boasting. Instead, we should seek to honor and glorify God in all that we do.
Proverbs 21:4
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.”
This verse highlights the correlation between pride and sin. Boasting and bragging can often stem from a proud heart and lead to sinful thoughts and actions.
It serves as a reminder to continually examine our hearts and motives, seeking to cultivate humility and a desire to honor God in all that we do.
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.”
While specifically addressing those who are rich, this verse carries a broader lesson about humility and gratitude. It reminds us not to place our hope in wealth or material possessions but to find our security and satisfaction in God.
By acknowledging that all we have comes from God, we can avoid the temptation to boast in our earthly possessions and instead boast in His faithfulness and provision.
Proverbs 30:32
“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth!”
This verse gives a practical admonition to those who engage in foolish behavior, including boasting and bragging. It urges us to restrain our words when we are tempted to exalt ourselves or plan evil.
We are reminded to exercise self-control and humility, guarding our tongues against words that may harm others or promote ourselves above others.
Psalm 34:2
“I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”
This verse models the proper way to boast and give glory. Instead of boasting in ourselves, we are called to boast in the Lord and His goodness.
By proclaiming the greatness of God, we invite others to join in celebrating His faithfulness and find cause for rejoicing in His work. It is a reminder to direct our praise and adoration toward God rather than seeking our own recognition.
2 Corinthians 1:12
“Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.”
This verse provides a framework for boasting that is rooted in integrity and godly sincerity. It emphasizes the importance of conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of praise and relying on God’s grace.
By acknowledging the role of God’s grace in our actions and relationships, we take the focus off ourselves and recognize our dependence on Him. This verse reminds us to boast in our faithfulness to God rather than seeking validation from others.