The Bible considers being boastful as unhealthy behavior since it is often associated with pride and a lack of humility, fundamentally straying from the virtues of Christian faith. The Bible discourages bragging about oneself, wealth, wisdom, or power, and instead encourages celebrating the grace and glory of God. It illuminates the path of humility, suggesting that one should not be consumed by vanity or self-glorification.
What Does the Bible Teach About Boastfulness?
The Bible contains several verses specifically talking about boastfulness. It consistently emphasizes that boastfulness is discouraged. Instead of boosting one’s ego, individuals should recognize the power and wisdom of God. Boastfulness is seen as a sign of arrogance, which is the opposite of how faith should manifest itself: through humility, gratitude, and love. Promoting self-importance is considered as straying away from God’s path. The Bible encourages believers to boast in the Lord, His love, mercy, and salvation, rather than in their own accomplishments.
Why Is Humility Valued Over Boastfulness?
Agreeing with the wisdom of many other religious and philosophical traditions, the Bible emphasizes the value of humility over boastfulness. Humility is a virtue that helps an individual appreciate God’s creation and prevents them from getting swept away by their own imagined self-worth. There’s a profound lesson in understanding that all we are and have are blessings granted by God, and not merely by our own merits. A humble heart recognizes this fact and finds satisfaction in God, not in their status, power or possessions. It is in humility where we find true wisdom, according to the teachings of the Bible.
Who Does the Bible Instruct in Regards to Boastfulness?
The Bible directs its teachings about boastfulness to all believers, irrespective of their socio-economic standing, age or gender. It instructs everyone to refrain from boasting about tomorrow, as the future is uncertain and in God’s hands. The Bible emphasizes that believers should boast only about knowing and understanding God, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness. It cautions that witness of false boastfulness leads to dishonor and deceit. Whether you’re a leader or a follower, the messages against boastfulness are clear and are meant to guide all toward a humble, meaningful, and God-centered life.
When Should These Teachings Be Applied?
The teachings of the Bible on boastfulness are timeless principles that can be applied in any time and every phase of life. Whenever one is tempted to take sole credit for their achievements or to elevate their status above others, they should remember these biblical teachings about boastfulness and pride. It’s especially important in moments of success and accomplishment, when the temptation for self-aggrandizement is strongest.
Where is the Emphasis Placed Regarding Boastfulness in the Bible?
In the Bible, the emphasis is placed on countering boastfulness with humility, love, and devotion to God. The Bible points out that the source of all our blessings and achievements is God, and so, our attention should be directed to praising him rather than promoting ourselves. The teachings to steer clear of boastfulness can be found throughout the Bible, from the humble life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who preached humility to the heartfelt prayers and advisories of the Apostle Paul. The Bible consistently communicates that it is better to humble oneself before God and others than to be boastful.
Below is our full list of bible verses on boastfulness (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Boastfulness
Matthew 6:1-2
“1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
Proverbs 26:12
“12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”
Related Themes: Pride Hope Selfishness Humility
Matthew 6:1-7
“1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”
James 4:6
“6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Related Themes: Pride Humility Grace Self-Esteem Humility
James 1:26
“26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”
Related Themes: Gossip Bitterness Hypocrisy Judging Others Cursing
Ephesians 4:32
“32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Forgiveness Kindness Bitterness Reconciliation
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Related Themes: Manipulation Gossip Boasting Narcissism Pride
1 Peter 5:5
“5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Related Themes: Humility Pride Humility Respecting Your Parents Children
Proverbs 12:16
“16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.”
Related Themes: Arguing Insults Self-Control Anger Annoying People
Ephesians 4:31-32
“31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Related Themes: Bitterness Letting Go Gossip Criticism
Matthew 7:1-5
“1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”
Related Themes: Judging Others Criticism Judging Others Gossip
Philippians 4:8-9
“8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Related Themes: Lust Gossip Attitude Complaining
Luke 18:9-14
“9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Related Themes: Pride Bitterness Humility Arrogance
Colossians 3:9
“9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Lying New Life Honesty New Beginnings
Proverbs 15:1
“1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Related Themes: Arguing Criticism Bitterness Criticism Gossip
Romans 14:1
“1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.”
Related Themes: Strangers Judging Others Arguing Food Criticism
James 1:19-20
“19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Related Themes: Criticism Bitterness Frustration Patience Frustration
Matthew 7:12
“12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
Related Themes: Criticism Gossip Respect Respecting Your Parents Morality
Proverbs 14:21
“21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Serving The Poor Serving Others Kindness Mercy
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
Proverbs 27:2
“2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.”
James 2:14-24
“14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
Related Themes: Strangers Faith Serving Others Hypocrisy Fidelity
Acts 20:35
“35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Related Themes: Money Serving Others Charity Generosity Finances
1 Corinthians 13:4
“4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”
Galatians 5:19-21
“19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Related Themes: Lust Abomination Lust Bitterness Adultery
Proverbs 20:22
“22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.”
Related Themes: Bitterness Revenge Hate Vindictiveness Retribution
Matthew 5:5-9
“5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Related Themes: Earth Meekness Humility Inheritance
Proverbs 28:6
“6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.”
Related Themes: Integrity Business Homelessness Poverty Honesty
Proverbs 11:2
“2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”
1 John 2:16
“16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
