Which other scriptures warn against boasting and greed similar to Psalm 10:3? Setting the scene Psalm 10:3 — “For the wicked man boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.” Why boasting and greed matter to God • Boasting elevates self above the Lord who alone deserves glory. • Greed fixes the heart on perishable treasure, turning it into functional idolatry. • Together they blind a person to dependence on God and compassion toward people. Old Testament echoes • Proverbs 16:18 — “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • Proverbs 27:1 — “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” • Jeremiah 9:23-24 — “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom … but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me.” • Habakkuk 2:5 — “He enlarges his appetite like Sheol, and like death he is never satisfied.” • Proverbs 1:19 — “Such is the fate of all who are greedy; it robs them of life.” • Proverbs 28:25 — “A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.” • Ecclesiastes 5:10 — “He who loves money is never satisfied by money….” New Testament confirmations • Luke 12:15 — “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” • James 4:16 — “As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.” • 1 Timothy 6:9-10 — “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap… For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” • Ephesians 5:3-5 — “…there must not be even a hint of … greed… No … greedy person— that is, an idolater— has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” • Colossians 3:5 — “Put to death … greed, which is idolatry.” • 1 Corinthians 5:11 — “…not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is … greedy….” • Revelation 3:17 — “You say, ‘I am rich…’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Threads that tie the warnings together 1. God owns everything; we are stewards, never masters. 2. Real security rests in knowing Him, not in possessions or personal prowess. 3. Pride and covetousness destroy community; humility and generosity build it. 4. Judgment follows unrepentant boasting and greed, while grace meets the humble and content. Living the truth • Celebrate God’s character rather than your own achievements (Jeremiah 9:24). • Practically guard the heart: budget for generosity, set limits on lifestyle, refuse to compare. • Speak words that highlight God’s faithfulness, not your greatness. • Hold plans and possessions with open hands, ready for the Lord to redirect (James 4:13-16). • Remember eternity: treasure in heaven outlasts every earthly portfolio (Luke 12:33). |
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