Which other scriptures warn against boasting in one's own strength? Jeremiah 48:14 in Focus “How can you say, ‘We are warriors, mighty men ready for battle’?” Moab’s confidence in its own military muscle draws a divine rebuke. Scripture repeatedly echoes this warning: human strength is never a safe place to stake our hope. Echoes of the Same Warning: Key Passages • Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” • Psalm 33:16-17 – “No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.” • Proverbs 21:31 – “A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.” • Jeremiah 17:5 – “This is what the LORD says: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, who makes flesh his strength and turns his heart away from the LORD.” • Deuteronomy 8:17-18 – “You might say in your heart, ‘The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.’ But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth…” • Judges 7:2 – “The LORD said to Gideon, ‘You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands. Israel might claim glory for itself against Me, saying, “My own hand has saved me.”’” • 1 Samuel 2:9 – “He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness, for by his own strength shall no man prevail.” • 1 Corinthians 1:29-31 – “…so that no one may boast in His presence… ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” • 2 Corinthians 10:17 – “Rather, ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” • James 4:16 – “As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.” • Proverbs 27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Patterns to Notice • Boasting often centers on military might, wealth, or future plans—areas where people feel most self-sufficient. • The Lord consistently redirects honor back to Himself, reminding us that salvation, victory, and provision originate with Him alone. • Divine judgment follows self-reliance: Moab (Jeremiah 48), Gideon’s potential pride (Jud 7), Israel’s wealth warnings (Deuteronomy 8). Living the Lesson Today • Measure confidence: Is it rooted in talent, resources, or social influence, or in the Lord’s sufficiency? • Replace self-praise with God-praise: consciously acknowledge Him when successes come. • Seek dependence: cultivate prayer and obedience that keep the heart humble and mindful of where real strength lies. |
    |