Nebuchadnezzar as a Wild AnimalUnknown artist/maker (German) and Jansen Enikel (Austrian, author) · about 1400–1410

Boasting

/BOH-sting/

Summary

Self-glorifying speech that Scripture condemns when directed at human achievement but approves when glorying in God alone.

☩Condemned Boasting

Scripture warns against boasting in human wisdom, strength, or riches. Jeremiah declares that whoever glories should glory in understanding and knowing the Lord. Proverbs cautions against boasting about tomorrow, since no one knows what a day may bring.

Key verses:Jeremiah 9:23-24Proverbs 27:1James 4:16

☩Examples of Sinful Boasting

Biblical examples include Goliath's defiance of Israel, Ben-hadad's premature boast before battle, and Sennacherib's arrogant claims against Jerusalem. In each case, God humbled the boaster.

Key verses:1 Samuel 17:441 Kings 20:10-112 Kings 18:19-35

☩Proper Glorying

Paul teaches that boasting in works is excluded by the principle of faith. If anyone glories, let him glory in the Lord. Paul himself gloried in the cross of Christ and in his weaknesses, that Christ's power might rest upon him.

Key verses:Romans 3:271 Corinthians 1:31Galatians 6:142 Corinthians 12:9

Related Verses45 mentions

2 Corinthians· 13 verses

7:14 8:24 9:2 9:3 9:4

Romans· 7 verses

1:30 2:17 2:23 3:1 3:27

Psalms· 7 verses

10:3 34:2 44:8 49:6 52:1

Proverbs· 3 verses

20:14 25:14 27:1

References

1.James Hastings (ed.), "Boasting," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
2.Don Fleming, "Boasting," in Bridgeway Bible Dictionary (Bridgeway Publications, 1990).