I Samuel 2:3
“Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed.”
We all want to matter and feel significant. However, that can be out of balance. That seems to be the root of boasting. It’s appropriate to express one’s self. Yet, there is a particular level that is acceptable. It has to be balanced with hearing the good news and burdens of others. Selfishness goes beyond those boundaries. These don’t see the needs of others and can trample over them.
We learn boundaries socially. Our parents teach us. We learn from friends when we’re boastful. We learn boundaries from work, church and service. We will feel the wound of correction and adjust accordingly.
When we learn the proper limits, we self correct. Our conscience will give a nudge. We also may discern a hurt expression in others. We use these signals to reign ourselves in.
Scripture tells us “not to think of ourselves more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3). God gifts and uses us. We should feel confident with that. However, we know that “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). While He wants us to think of ourselves at a particular level, that knowledge is aware that we would be lost without Him (John 15:5).
To have a healthy scriptural view of one’s self does not include boasting. It would be to deny what we know is true. We commit our days to the Lord and rejoice in His guidance and provision. We also witness the life and joy He fills us with. Boasting in ourselves would be dishonest and put a wedge in our relationship with Him.
Lord, thank You for the confidence that You provide. Help us to keep that at a healthy level, which avoids boasting.
Self centeredness was Satan’s downfall. In Isaiah 14, his five “I wills” are written: “I will ascend into heaven”, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God”, “I will sit also on the mount of congregation”, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds”, “I will be like the most high”. He was clearly out of balance by wanting to be heard and seen.