Boasters
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Definition and Nature:
Boasters are individuals characterized by excessive pride and self-glorification, often speaking highly of themselves and their achievements. In the biblical context, boasting is generally viewed as a negative trait, associated with arrogance and a lack of humility before God. The Bible frequently warns against boasting, emphasizing the importance of humility and recognizing God's sovereignty and grace.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament:
· Psalm 10:3 : "For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD." This verse highlights the connection between boasting and wickedness, illustrating how those who boast often align themselves against God.
· Proverbs 27:1 : "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." This proverb warns against the presumption and arrogance of boasting about future plans, reminding believers of the uncertainty of life and the need to trust in God's providence.

2. New Testament:
· Romans 1:30 : "slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful; they invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents." In this passage, boasting is listed among other sinful behaviors, indicating its association with a rebellious and ungodly lifestyle.
· 2 Timothy 3:1-2 : "But understand this: In the last days, terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy." Here, boasting is identified as a characteristic of people in the "last days," reflecting a self-centered and prideful attitude contrary to Christian virtues.

Theological Implications:
Boasting is often seen as a manifestation of pride, which is considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christian theology. It reflects a heart that seeks self-exaltation rather than glorifying God. The Bible teaches that all good things come from God, and thus, boasting in one's own abilities or achievements is a failure to acknowledge God's grace and provision.

Christian Conduct:
Believers are encouraged to adopt an attitude of humility and gratitude, recognizing that their abilities and successes are gifts from God. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often contrasts boasting in oneself with boasting in the Lord. For example, in 1 Corinthians 1:31 , he writes, "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'" This reflects the biblical principle that any boasting should be directed towards God's work and character, not human accomplishments.

Practical Application:
Christians are called to examine their hearts and speech, ensuring that they do not fall into the trap of boasting. Instead, they should cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and humility, giving credit to God for their successes and relying on His strength in their weaknesses. By doing so, they align themselves with the biblical model of humility and dependence on God, fostering a community that reflects Christ's love and grace.
Strong's Hebrew
907. bad -- empty, idle talk
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition empty, idle talk NASB Word Usage boasters
(1), boasts (1), idle boasts (2), oracle priests (1). liar, lie. ...
/hebrew/907.htm - 6k
Library

The Prophecy of the Perilous Times.
... For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy." "Men shall be lovers of their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 the prophecy of the.htm

2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection ...
/.../homily viii 2 timothy iii.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem
... These boasters are not satisfied to be "followers of God, as dear children," but
must strike out a path for themselves; this reveals their folly rather than ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/beginning at jerusalem.htm

Fifth Commandment
... Paul wrote about are upon us: "In the last days perilous times shall come; for men
shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/fifth commandment.htm

On Costly Vessels.
... Excellently, therefore, the Divine Scripture, addressing boasters and lovers of
their own selves, says, "Where are the rulers of the nations, and the lords of ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii on costly vessels.htm

1 Cor. Ii. 1, 2
... For sufficient indeed is what had been said before to cast down the pride of the
boasters about wisdom; nay, even a part of it had been enough. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily vi 1 cor ii.htm

Rom. I. 28
... indifferent among his charges, he further strengthens his accusation, going up to
the stronghold of their wickednesses, and styles them "boasters." For even ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily v rom i 28.htm

2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan
... For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection ...
/.../homily vii 2 timothy iii.htm

John viii. 31, 32
... "Shall make you free": from what, tell me? From your sins. What then say those boasters?
Ver.33. "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man.". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily liv john viii 31.htm

Sin and the Penalty of Sin the Same.
... covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity;
whisperers, backbiters, odious to God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 24 xxii sin and the.htm

Thesaurus
Boasters (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Boasters (6 Occurrences). Romans 1:30 Backbiters,
haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors ...
/b/boasters.htm - 8k

Evil-speakers (2 Occurrences)
... Evil-speakers (2 Occurrences). Romans 1:30 evil-speakers, God-haters, insulting,
proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (YLT). ...
/e/evil-speakers.htm - 7k

Proud (96 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors
of evil things, disobedient to parents, (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/p/proud.htm - 33k

Unkind (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 3:2 for men shall be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters,
proud, evil-speakers, to parents disobedient, unthankful, unkind, (YLT). ...
/u/unkind.htm - 8k

God-haters (1 Occurrence)
... God-haters (1 Occurrence). Romans 1:30 evil-speakers, God-haters, insulting, proud,
boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (YLT NIV). ...
/g/god-haters.htm - 6k

Insulting (10 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY NIV). Romans 1:30 evil-speakers, God-haters, insulting, proud, boasters,
inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (YLT). ...
/i/insulting.htm - 9k

Inventers (1 Occurrence)
... Inventers (1 Occurrence). Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud,
boasters, inventers of evil things, disobedient to parents, (WBS). ...
/i/inventers.htm - 6k

Disobey (15 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Romans 1:30 evil-speakers, God-haters, insulting, proud, boasters,
inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (See NIV). ...
/d/disobey.htm - 11k

Diviners (14 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:36 A sword is on the boasters, and they shall become fools; a sword
is on her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed. (See RSV). ...
/d/diviners.htm - 11k

Despiteful (3 Occurrences)
... Despiteful (3 Occurrences). Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud,
boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (KJV WBS). ...
/d/despiteful.htm - 8k

Resources
What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Boasters (6 Occurrences)

Romans 1:30
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(KJV DBY WBS YLT)

2 Timothy 3:2
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(KJV WBS YLT)

Jude 1:16
These men are murmurers, ever bemoaning their lot. Their lives are guided by their evil passions, and their mouths are full of big, boastful words, while they treat individual men with admiring reverence for the sake of the advantage they can gain.
(See RSV)

Psalms 5:5
The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
(See JPS)

Isaiah 44:25
Who makes the signs of those who give word of the future come to nothing, so that those who have knowledge of secret arts go off their heads; turning the wise men back, and making their knowledge foolish:
(See NAS)

Jeremiah 48:45
Those who fled stand without strength under the shadow of Heshbon; for a fire is gone forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and has devoured the corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Boasters

Related Terms

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Boasteth (5 Occurrences)

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Abideth (66 Occurrences)

Instruction (117 Occurrences)

Goodness (83 Occurrences)

Lovingkindness (176 Occurrences)

Psalm (213 Occurrences)

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