In the Bible, to boast often conveys a sense of pride or self-exaltation, especially regarding one’s achievements or status, which is discouraged as it reflects reliance on oneself rather than on God (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Genuine boasting, however, is encouraged in relation to one’s relationship with the Lord and His works (Psalm 34:2).
Scripture
23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.
Biblical Meaning of Boast
In the Biblical context, the act of boasting is multifaceted and often reflects a dichotomy between self-reliance and reliance on God. Verses such as Jeremiah 9:23-24 convey a clear caution: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches; but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me.” This distinction highlights that boasting rooted in personal achievements or status is not only discouraged but also viewed as a misguided form of pride. Such self-exaltation detracts from the humility that comes with acknowledging God’s sovereignty and providence. Instead, genuine boasting should stem from an understanding and relationship with God, recognizing His attributes and works in one’s life.
Conversely, Psalm 34:2 offers a positive aspect of boasting, stating, “My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.” Here, the act of boasting is redirected towards God, emphasizing an attitude of dependence and gratitude rather than arrogance. This suggests that when believers boast about their relationship with God—His grace, goodness, and faithfulness—they do so in a way that uplifts and encourages others, fostering a communal understanding of God’s glory. Thus, the Biblical concept of boasting serves as a reminder to prioritize our relationship with God over our accomplishments, aligning our voices in praise with humility and rejoicing in God’s work in our lives and those around us.
The Biblical discourse on boasting further extends to the notion of community and accountability among believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:31, the Apostle Paul encourages the church to embody the spirit of boasting in the Lord, stating, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” This shift emphasizes that any pride or confidence believers may feel should be rooted not in their own merit but in the grace and work of Christ. Such an understanding cultivates a sense of humility within the body of Christ, reminding individuals that any talents or achievements are ultimately gifts from God, meant to be used for the edification of the church and the furthering of His kingdom.
Moreover, Galatians 6:14 presents another layer to this theme, as Paul writes, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Here, boasting is linked explicitly to the redemptive work of Christ and the transformative power of the gospel. The cross becomes the focal point of Christian boasting, illustrating the idea that any glory or honor attributed to oneself fades in comparison to the profound significance of Christ’s sacrifice. In this context, boasting serves not as a means of personal elevation but as an acknowledgment of God’s grace, mercy, and the hope found in the gospel, reminding believers that their identity and worth are intrinsically tied to their relationship with Him. This perspective fosters a spirit of unity and shared purpose within the community of faith, prompting believers to celebrate God’s work rather than their own accolades.
The Nature of True Boasting
In the biblical context, boasting often reflects a person’s reliance on their own strength, achievements, or status. However, true boasting is encouraged to be centered on one’s relationship with God and His attributes. This perspective shifts the focus from self-glorification to glorifying God, emphasizing humility and dependence on divine grace rather than personal merit.
The Dangers of Prideful Boasting
The Bible warns against prideful boasting, which can lead to arrogance and a false sense of security. Such boasting can create a barrier between individuals and God, as it fosters a spirit of self-sufficiency that undermines the need for divine assistance. This type of boasting is often associated with a lack of awareness of one’s limitations and the need for God’s mercy.
Boasting as a Reflection of Faith
In a positive light, boasting can serve as a testimony of faith. When believers share their experiences of God’s faithfulness and provision, it becomes a form of encouragement for others. This type of boasting is rooted in gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s work in their lives, fostering a community of faith that celebrates divine intervention and support.
How to Embrace Humility and Reflect Divine Glory
Embracing humility is a beautiful journey that allows us to reflect God’s divine glory in our lives. It starts with recognizing that our worth comes not from our achievements or status, but from being beloved children of God. When we let go of pride and the need for recognition, we create space for grace to flow through us. This means serving others selflessly, listening more than we speak, and being open to correction and growth. Remember, Jesus, who was the epitome of humility, washed the feet of His disciples, teaching us that true greatness lies in our willingness to serve. As we cultivate a humble heart, we not only draw closer to God but also shine His light in a world that desperately needs it. So, let’s take small steps each day—whether it’s offering a kind word, lending a helping hand, or simply being present for someone in need—and watch how our lives begin to reflect the glory of the One who created us.
Bible References to the Meaning of Boast:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31: 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,
29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 10:12-18: 12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.
14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you.
15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others.
16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence.
17 “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
James 4:13-16: 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—
14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
Galatians 6:12-14: 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
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.
Ephesians 2:8-9: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Romans 3:27-28: 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.
28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Psalm 34:1-3: 1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
Proverbs 27:1-2: 1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips.
1 Corinthians 4:6-7: 6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.
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?
2 Corinthians 11:16-30: 16 I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.
17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would, but as a fool.
18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.
19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves.
20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.
21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!
22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.
23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.
24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea;
26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers;
27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
Philippians 3:3-11: 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—
4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:
5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;
6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Jeremiah 17:5-7: 5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.
6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
1 John 2:15-17: 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.