Topical Encyclopedia Boasting, in the biblical context, often refers to the act of speaking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of boasting, its implications, and the attitude that believers should adopt concerning it.Old Testament Insights In the Old Testament, boasting is frequently associated with pride and arrogance, which are attitudes that God opposes. The prophet Jeremiah warns against boasting in human wisdom, strength, or riches, emphasizing instead the importance of understanding and knowing the Lord: · “This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise boast in their wisdom, nor the strong boast in their strength, nor the rich boast in their riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24) The Psalms also reflect on the futility of boasting in material wealth or personal power, as these are transient and ultimately powerless to save: · “Those who trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches—no man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God.” (Psalm 49:6-7) New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of boasting, particularly in the context of the Christian life and the community of believers. The Apostle Paul frequently discusses boasting, often contrasting it with the humility that should characterize followers of Christ. Paul admonishes the Corinthian church against boasting in human leaders or wisdom, reminding them that all things are from God: · “So then, no more boasting in men. All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” (1 Corinthians 3:21-23) In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast: · “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Paul also speaks of boasting in the context of suffering and weakness, highlighting that true strength and reason for boasting come from the Lord: · “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Proper Grounds for Boasting The Scriptures do provide a context in which boasting is appropriate, namely, boasting in the Lord and His works. This type of boasting is not rooted in self-exaltation but in glorifying God and acknowledging His sovereignty and grace: · “Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” (1 Corinthians 1:31) · “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.” (Galatians 6:14) In summary, the Bible consistently warns against self-centered boasting, urging believers to find their confidence and reason for boasting in the Lord alone. This perspective aligns with the broader biblical theme of humility and reliance on God's grace and power. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 20:14It is naught, it is naught, said the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasts. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 25:14 Proverbs 27:1 Isaiah 10:15 Jeremiah 9:23 Romans 1:30 James 3:5 James 4:16 Library Preface to the Emperor Charles V. Solitude, Silence, Submission Concerning the Ministry. The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... Concerning Lowliness of Mind. Trinity Sunday the Article of Faith on the Trinity. From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... Orthodox Creeds. On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel Resources What does it mean to boast in the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love does not boast (1 Corinthians 13:4)? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Lo Debar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Boasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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