About Boasting
Boasting is defined as bragging or talking in a proud and self-satisfied way. It is often said that people who engage in boasting are looking for external validation, as well as trying to build credibility for themselves or their achievements. The Bible, too, speaks in several places about boasting. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 27:2 says “Let another man praise you and not your own mouth” and Ecclesiastes 5:2 warns “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.” In the New Testament, Paul warns against boasting in 1 Corinthians 4:7 and James 4:16 states “do not boast about tomorrow for you know not what a day may bring forth.”
The Bible’s Advice to Boasting
The Bible has a lot to say about boasting and advises us not to do it. In Proverbs 27:2, God tells us that another man should praise us, not our own mouth. He also reminds us in Ecclesiastes 5:2 to be careful with our words and not to speak hastily in front of God. In Romans 12:3, Paul also warns us to not think too highly of ourselves and cautions us to “humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.” Lastly, James 4:16 warns us to not boast about tomorrow and remember that we, ourselves, do not know what a day may bring.
The Consequences of Boasting
The consequences for boasting in the Bible are usually linked to the pride and arrogance that come with it, rather than simply the act of boasting itself. For example, Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This tells us that pride and arrogance can lead to destruction and failure, and is certainly something to be wary of. On the other side of the coin, when we humble ourselves before the Lord, He will lift us up and give us strength and courage.
The Difference between Bragging and Boasting
The lines between bragging and boasting can sometimes be blurry. Generally speaking, bragging is the act of talking in an overly proud and self-satisfied way about one’s own achievements and abilities. Boasting is a more specific type of bragging that usually involves talking in a way that is designed to make oneself look better in the eyes of others. Both tactics are criticized and not encouraged by the Bible, but bragging can be seen as slightly more damaging of the two because it is more focused on self-centeredness and receives more severe condemnation in scripture.
An Example of Boasting in the Bible
An example of boasting in the Bible can be seen in the story of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in Daniel 4. In this story, King Nebuchadnezzar begins to boast about how mighty he is and how no one can compare to him. God punishes the King for his pride and haughtiness by making him live like an animal in the wild for seven years. This story serves as a powerful lesson about the dangers of boasting, as it demonstrates that pride will always come before a fall.
Boasting and Humility
The Bible consistently speaks out against both bragging and boasting and encourages us instead to have humility. Humility is defined as the quality of being modest and respectful, and it is highly praised in scripture. We can see the importance of humility in Proverbs 16:18, which says “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This passage makes it clear that pride is to be avoided and that humility should be embraced.
Boasting and Gratitude
Boasting can also be seen as the opposite of gratitude. The Bible teaches us to give thanks to God for all that He has done and all that He continues to do in our lives. We can see an example of this in 1 Chronicles 16:34, which states that “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His Love endures forever.” This reminds us to give thanks for all of our blessings and to remain humble and grateful in our speech and behavior.
Boasting and Practicing Self-Control
In addition to humility and gratitude, the Bible also speaks very highly of practicing self-control. In Proverbs 25:28, we are reminded to “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” This not only speaks to the importance of controlling our thoughts, actions, and words, but also suggests that without self-control, our spirit will be vulnerable to the influence of boasting.
Boasting and Justice
Justice is another key concept in the Bible and it speaks to the notion that everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. This can be clearly seen in Isaiah 1:17, which states “Set justice in order, judge with righteousness and render to each person according to his work.” This passage makes it clear that God desires justice and compassion, and that those who boast should not be given special privileges over those who do not.
Boasting and God’s Love
The Bible also speaks to the notion that God’s love is enduring and will not be swayed by our boasting. We can see this in 1 John 3:1, which says “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” This verse reminds us that God’s love is unconditional and that He is always with us despite our faults.
Boasting and Pride
Lastly, the Bible speaks against pride, which can often be seen as the root of boasting. We can see this clearly in Proverbs 11:2, which states “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” This passage suggests that pride can bring shame and humiliation and that humility is what will bring us true wisdom and understanding.
