Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about bragging? It’s a topic we encounter often in our daily lives. Boasting can sometimes sneak into our conversations without us realizing it. Let’s explore some meaningful Bible verses that discuss the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.
Bible Verses About Bragging
Proverbs 27:1 – We shouldn’t boast about tomorrow
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” – Proverbs 27:1
James 4:16 – Pride in boasting can lead us astray
“As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.” – James 4:16
1 Corinthians 4:7 – Every good thing comes from God
“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” – 1 Corinthians 4:7
Galatians 6:14 – We should only boast in the cross
“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
Jeremiah 9:23-24 – True wisdom comes from knowing God
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 9:23-24
Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before a fall
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
2 Corinthians 10:17 – Let us boast in the Lord
“But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'” – 2 Corinthians 10:17
Proverbs 25:14 – Empty promises can lead to bragging
“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift never given.” – Proverbs 25:14
Psalm 75:4-6 – God is the ultimate judge
“I said to the arrogant, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.’ No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.” – Psalm 75:4-6
Romans 12:3 – Think of yourself with sober judgment
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.” – Romans 12:3
John 3:27 – A person can only receive what is given from heaven
“To this John replied, ‘A person can only receive what is given them from heaven.'” – John 3:27
1 John 2:16 – The pride of life is not from the Father
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” – 1 John 2:16
Proverbs 30:32 – Being boastful is born from foolishness
“If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!” – Proverbs 30:32
Luke 14:11 – Humility leads to honor
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
Philippians 2:3 – Value others above yourself
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Matthew 6:1 – Don’t flaunt your righteousness
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 6:1
Proverbs 11:2 – Humility comes before honor
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
Isaiah 10:15 – The power of God is unmatched
“Does the ax raise itself above the person who swings it, or the saw boast against the one who uses it? As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up, or a club brandish the one who is not wood!” – Isaiah 10:15
Exodus 20:17 – Coveting leads to boasting
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:17
Proverbs 18:12 – Humility precedes honor
“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” – Proverbs 18:12
Ecclesiastes 5:2 – Let your words be few
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” – Ecclesiastes 5:2
1 Timothy 6:17 – God grants us everything for our enjoyment
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17
Psalm 34:2 – Boasting should be in the Lord
“My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.” – Psalm 34:2
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before others
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Romans 11:18 – Don’t boast over those who have fallen
“Do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.” – Romans 11:18
2 Timothy 3:2 – In the last days, people will be boastful
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.” – 2 Timothy 3:2
Psalm 73:6 – Pride can lead to arrogance
“Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.” – Psalm 73:6
1 Peter 5:5 – God opposes the proud
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'” – 1 Peter 5:5
1 Corinthians 13:4 – Love does not boast
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
Proverbs 21:24 – The scoffer is proud
“The proud and arrogant person—‘Mocker’ is his name—behaves with insolent fury.” – Proverbs 21:24
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Asking
What Does the Bible Say About Bragging?
When we contemplate what the Bible says about bragging, we can see that the Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature and consequences of such behavior. Bragging, or boasting, often reflects a heart issue rooted in pride and self-centeredness, something that goes against the humility that God desires for us.
In our exploration of the Scriptures, we observe that the Bible consistently warns against pride and boasts. Proverbs, in particular, offers wisdom on the subject. For instance, it highlights that pride often precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18). This suggests that when we boast, we set ourselves up for failure and disappointment. Likewise, Proverbs also notes that humility brings wisdom, while pride brings disgrace (Proverbs 11:2). Our attitude of boasting, therefore, can lead us away from the path of wisdom and toward a path marked by turmoil.
The New Testament reinforces this teaching, particularly through the words of Jesus and the apostles. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus teaches a parable about those who exalt themselves being humbled and those who humble themselves being exalted (Luke 14:11). Paul, the Apostle, consistently advises us to avoid boasting. In his letters, he emphasizes our need to boast only in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). This statement reflects the belief that our accomplishments and strengths are ultimately gifts from God, and any bragging undermines His glory and grace.
James, in his epistle, also tackles the subject of boasting. He cautions us that boasting about our future plans is arrogant because we cannot predict what will happen tomorrow (James 4:13-16). This perspective aligns with the ethos of humility and reliance on God’s will, rather than our own achievements or desires.
When we further consider the relational aspect, it’s evident that boasting can harm our relationships with others. Paul’s writing to the Corinthians provides a clear example. In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the “Love Chapter,” he describes love as not being boastful or proud. Hence, genuine love for others includes a humble spirit, free from the need to elevate ourselves above them.
From these reflections, it becomes clear that the biblical stance on bragging is to avoid it and to cultivate a spirit of humility. We are called to recognize that all we have is a gift from God and to live in a way that reflects His generosity and grace. Boasting only in the Lord ensures that our lives point to His greatness rather than our own.