Introduction

Having recently written the article on ‘a proud look, I recalled this previous article I wrote on boasting. Although boasting is considered a negative thing, like pride, it can also have a positive outlook as well. We’ll explore both aspects in this article.

Definition of Boastful

Boast can be seen as both a positive and negative word. Depending on how you use it.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary—

1. To brag, or to vaunt one’s self; to make an ostentatious display, in speech, in one’s own worth, property, or actions.

2. To glory; to speak with laudable pride and ostentation of meritorious person or things.

Now that we’ve established the general definition of the word; both negative and positive, let’s look at some examples of both in God’s Word.

Negative examples in Scripture

One example are the Jews, themselves, in the New Testament, even after the church was established. They still saw themselves as highly favorable to God as they were His “Chosen People”. So much so, that they would boast about it. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome on this matter. Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God…You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? (Romans 2:17, 23)

The church in Corinth had many problems with boasting when the subject of spiritual gifts was involved. Those who had the gift of tongues thought themselves to better than those who could prophesize. In the interest of time, and space, for this article, I’ll not write all of the scriptures, but I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 12-14 which covers the subject of the spiritual gifts.

Paul “bottom lines” it in 1 Corinthians 14:4-5, He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. The problem with speaking in tongues is that if there is no interpreter then it simply sounds like gibberish, and no one is edified except for the one who speaks it (verse 23).

Positive Examples in Scripture

As you noticed in the definitions, boasting can be used as a positive factor when talking about others and their accomplishments. In his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul boasts to others of their work; Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting (2 Corinthians 9:1-4).

To the church in Thessalonica, Paul had this to say, We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure… (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4).

Conclusion

One can boast about other people’s accomplishments and, sometimes, their own: provided that it’s not a matter of bragging. Stay humble when talking about spiritual accomplishments. Remember what John wrote in 1 John 2:16, For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world.