Bragging about good deeds misses the point of serving others humbly. The Bible calls us to give quietly, seeking God’s approval over human praise. Today, let’s learn how Scripture guides us to do good for His glory, not for attention.
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What Does The Bible Say About Bragging About Good Deeds
Matthew 6:1-4
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not boasting or seeking recognition for our good deeds. Bragging about our acts of righteousness diminishes the reward we receive from God. Instead, Jesus encourages us to give in secret, without seeking praise or attention. By doing so, we demonstrate true humility and sincerity in our acts of kindness and generosity.
This passage reminds us that our motives behind our good deeds matter as much as the deeds themselves. It teaches us to seek God’s approval and reward rather than the praise and admiration of others. By avoiding the temptation to brag about our good deeds, we show true humility and maintain the purity of our intentions.
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. Instead, it encourages us to let others acknowledge and commend our accomplishments. When we seek self-promotion, we can easily become prideful and focus on our own glory instead of recognizing the contributions of others or acknowledging God’s role in our achievements.
By allowing others to praise us, we cultivate humility and avoid the temptation to boast about our good deeds. This verse reminds us that genuine recognition comes from others, not from our own self-glorification. It encourages us to place importance on the opinions and perspectives of those around us, fostering a spirit of humility and gratitude.
1 Corinthians 4:7
“For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”
This verse serves as a reminder that any talent, ability, or achievement we possess is ultimately a gift from God. It challenges us to reflect on the source of our blessings and to recognize that we have nothing to boast about apart from God’s grace.
When we brag about our good deeds, we fail to acknowledge that we are merely stewards of God’s gifts. This verse urges us to maintain a humble posture, recognizing that any success or goodness we exhibit is a result of God’s favor and provision. It encourages us to redirect any praise or recognition we receive back to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and our dependency on Him.
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 us against seeking personal recognition or boasting about our good deeds excessively. Just as consuming too much honey can lead to negative consequences, indulging in self-promotion and seeking recognition for every good deed can have detrimental effects on our character and relationships.
Being honorable involves exercising discretion and humility. Excessive self-promotion can breed arrogance and create division among individuals. As Christians, it is important to recognize the delicate balance between celebrating our achievements and deflecting praise to God. This verse encourages us to approach our good deeds with modesty and discernment, recognizing that humility and integrity are integral in bringing glory to God.
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This verse highlights the principle of humility in the kingdom of God. Jesus teaches us that those who seek to exalt themselves and brag about their own goodness will ultimately be humbled. On the other hand, those who genuinely humble themselves and deflect praise to God will be exalted by Him.
This verse serves as a reminder that our focus should be on lifting up God’s name rather than promoting ourselves. When we refrain from boasting and allow God to receive the glory, He honors us in His own time and in His own way. In humility, we find true greatness and experience the blessings that come from seeking God’s approval above the praise of others.
Proverbs 27:21
“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.”
This verse points out that our response to praise and recognition reveals our true character. Just as silver and gold are tested through refining processes, our integrity and humility are tested when we receive accolades for our good deeds.
When we are praised, it is an opportunity to evaluate our motives and check our hearts to ensure that we are not seeking self-glorification. It is essential to use praise as a reminder to remain humble, allowing the refining fire of God’s Spirit to purify our intentions. This verse encourages us to be mindful and aware of the impact that praise can have on our character, reminding us to approach recognition with humility and gratitude.
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. Instead, it encourages us to let others acknowledge and commend our accomplishments. When we seek self-promotion, we can easily become prideful and focus on our own glory instead of recognizing the contributions of others or acknowledging God’s role in our achievements.
By allowing others to praise us, we cultivate humility and avoid the temptation to boast about our good deeds. This verse reminds us that genuine recognition comes from others, not from our own self-glorification. It encourages us to place importance on the opinions and perspectives of those around us, fostering a spirit of humility and gratitude.
1 Corinthians 4:7
“For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”
This verse serves as a reminder that any talent, ability, or achievement we possess is ultimately a gift from God. It challenges us to reflect on the source of our blessings and to recognize that we have nothing to boast about apart from God’s grace.
When we brag about our good deeds, we fail to acknowledge that we are merely stewards of God’s gifts. This verse urges us to maintain a humble posture, recognizing that any success or goodness we exhibit is a result of God’s favor and provision. It encourages us to redirect any praise or recognition we receive back to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and our dependency on Him.
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 us against seeking personal recognition or boasting about our good deeds excessively. Just as consuming too much honey can lead to negative consequences, indulging in self-promotion and seeking recognition for every good deed can have detrimental effects on our character and relationships.
Being honorable involves exercising discretion and humility. Excessive self-promotion can breed arrogance and create division among individuals. As Christians, it is important to recognize the delicate balance between celebrating our achievements and deflecting praise to God. This verse encourages us to approach our good deeds with modesty and discernment, recognizing that humility and integrity are integral in bringing glory to God.
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This verse highlights the principle of humility in the kingdom of God. Jesus teaches us that those who seek to exalt themselves and brag about their own goodness will ultimately be humbled. On the other hand, those who genuinely humble themselves and deflect praise to God will be exalted by Him.
This verse serves as a reminder that our focus should be on lifting up God’s name rather than promoting ourselves. When we refrain from boasting and allow God to receive the glory, He honors us in His own time and in His own way. In humility, we find true greatness and experience the blessings that come from seeking God’s approval above the praise of others.
Proverbs 27:21
“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.”
This verse points out that our response to praise and recognition reveals our true character. Just as silver and gold are tested through refining processes, our integrity and humility are tested when we receive accolades for our good deeds.
When we are praised, it is an opportunity to evaluate our motives and check our hearts to ensure that we are not seeking self-glorification. It is essential to use praise as a reminder to remain humble, allowing the refining fire of God’s Spirit to purify our intentions. This verse encourages us to be mindful and aware of the impact that praise can have on our character, reminding us to approach recognition with humility and gratitude.
Psalm 34:2
“I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”
This verse reminds us that our ultimate source of glory and boasting should be in the Lord. Instead of bragging about our own accomplishments, we should direct attention to the goodness and faithfulness of God.
By choosing to glory in the Lord and proclaim His praises, we not only shift the focus from ourselves but also inspire and uplift those who are suffering or facing hardships. This verse encourages us to use our testimonies and experiences as a means to bring hope, joy, and encouragement to others, ultimately giving glory to God.
James 4:16
“As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”
This verse warns against boasting in our own plans and schemes, which is rooted in arrogance. All forms of self-centered boasting are considered evil and go against the teachings of Christ.
Instead, we should approach our accomplishments and aspirations with humility, acknowledging God’s role in our lives. By recognizing that God is ultimately in control and all glory belongs to Him, we eliminate the pride and arrogance that can accompany self-promotion.
1 Corinthians 1:31
“Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'”
This verse reinforces the concept that our boasting should be solely focused on the Lord. Quoting from the Old Testament (Jeremiah 9:24), Paul reminds us that if we are to boast, it should only be in our relationship with God and His attributes.
In essence, when we boast in the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness. It humbles us and points others to the source of all greatness. Our relationship with God becomes the foundation for our confidence, and we recognize that any goodness or accomplishments are a direct result of His grace at work in our lives.
2 Corinthians 10:17
“But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’
This verse reiterates the importance of directing our boasting toward the Lord. We are not to boast about ourselves or our own achievements, but rather in the power and work of God in our lives.
When we boast in the Lord, we acknowledge His hand in our successes, and we give Him the credit for any good that comes from our lives. This verse serves as a reminder that our identity and worth are found in our relationship with God, not in what we can accomplish on our own.
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 not earned by our own works but is a gift from God. We have no grounds to boast about our righteousness or good deeds because our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace.
This verse reminds us of our need for humility and gratitude. It humbles us by acknowledging that we are all recipients of God’s unmerited favor and that our righteous actions are a result of His working within us. It teaches us that boasting about our good deeds is not only unnecessary but also undermines the very foundation of our faith.
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’s words urge us to place our sole boasting in the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross represents the ultimate act of selflessness and sacrifice, demonstrating God’s love for humanity.
Bragging about worldly achievements or personal accomplishments pales in comparison to the redemption and reconciliation we find in Christ. It is through the cross that we are set free from the bondage of sin, and by boasting in it, we acknowledge the transformative work God has done in our lives.
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 of Jesus teaches a powerful lesson about boasting in our own righteousness and looking down on others. The Pharisee exemplifies self-righteous pride by bragging about his own religious practices and comparing himself favorably to others.
In contrast, the tax collector humbly confesses his sins, recognizing his need for God’s mercy. Jesus makes it clear that the tax collector, who humbled himself before God, is the one who goes home justified in God’s sight.
Psalm 44:8
“In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.”
This psalm expresses the right posture of boasting and praising. It directs our attention to God and acknowledges Him as the source of our strength, victory, and salvation.
When we boast in God, we recognize His faithfulness, power, and sovereignty. Our focus shifts from ourselves and our accomplishments to the greatness of God. This verse encourages us to continually give glory and honor to His name, acknowledging that our boasting should always be rooted in God’s attributes and promises.
Proverbs 27:1
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
This verse cautions us against boasting or being overly confident about the future. It serves as a reminder that our plans and achievements are subject to the will and sovereignty of God.
Instead of boasting about tomorrow, we are encouraged to trust in God’s wisdom and guidance for each day. This verse reminds us of our need for humility and dependence on Him, recognizing that our lives are in His hands and that only He knows what the future holds.
Proverbs 27:2
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
This verse advises against seeking personal recognition or boasting about our good deeds excessively. Just as consuming too much honey can lead to negative consequences, indulging in self-promotion and seeking recognition for every good deed can have detrimental effects on our character and relationships.
Being honorable involves exercising discretion and humility. Excessive self-promotion can breed arrogance and create division among individuals. As Christians, it is important to recognize the delicate balance between celebrating our achievements and deflecting praise to God. This verse encourages us to approach our good deeds with modesty and discernment, recognizing that humility and integrity are integral in bringing glory to God.
1 Corinthians 4:7
“For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”
This verse serves as a reminder that any talent, ability, or achievement we possess is ultimately a gift from God. It challenges us to reflect on the source of our blessings and to recognize that we have nothing to boast about apart from God’s grace.
When we brag about our good deeds, we fail to acknowledge that we are merely stewards of God’s gifts. This verse urges us to maintain a humble posture, recognizing that any success or goodness we exhibit is a result of God’s favor and provision. It encourages us to redirect any praise or recognition we receive back to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and our dependency on Him.
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 us against seeking personal recognition or boasting about our good deeds excessively. Just as consuming too much honey can lead to negative consequences, indulging in self-promotion and seeking recognition for every good deed can have detrimental effects on our character and relationships.
Being honorable involves exercising discretion and humility. Excessive self-promotion can breed arrogance and create division among individuals. As Christians, it is important to recognize the delicate balance between celebrating our achievements and deflecting praise to God. This verse encourages us to approach our good deeds with modesty and discernment, recognizing that humility and integrity are integral in bringing glory to God.
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This verse highlights the principle of humility in the kingdom of God. Jesus teaches us that those who seek to exalt themselves and brag about their own goodness will ultimately be humbled. On the other hand, those who genuinely humble themselves and deflect praise to God will be exalted by Him.
This verse serves as a reminder that our focus should be on lifting up God’s name rather than promoting ourselves. When we refrain from boasting and allow God to receive the glory, He honors us in His own time and in His own way. In humility, we find true greatness and experience the blessings that come from seeking God’s approval above the praise of others.