What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 1:31? Therefore Paul has just reminded the Corinthians that God “chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” and that Christ has become for us “wisdom from God—our righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:27-30). • “Therefore” signals a logical conclusion: since everything we are and have is God’s gracious work, self-praise is out of place. • Romans 3:27-28 makes the same point—“Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded… by faith.” • Ephesians 2:8-9 echoes it: salvation “is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” The hinge word reminds us that doctrine (what God has done) must shape conduct (how we speak of ourselves). As it is written Paul anchors his argument in Scripture, quoting Jeremiah 9:23-24. • This pattern—New-Testament truth confirmed by Old-Testament text—shows the unity and authority of God’s Word (Matthew 5:17; Romans 15:4). • Jeremiah had warned Judah not to trust wisdom, strength, or riches but to “boast that he understands and knows” the Lord. The principle remains unchanged. Whenever Paul introduces a quotation with “as it is written,” he signals that what follows is not optional advice but divine command. Let him who boasts Boasting is inevitable; the question is its object. • Wrong targets for boasting: – Personal intellect (Proverbs 3:7; James 3:14-15) – Physical power or status (Psalm 33:16-17) – Wealth and achievements (Luke 12:16-21) • Human pride is fleeting (1 John 2:16); unredeemed boasting “is evil” (James 4:16). Paul concedes that we will glory in something, so he redirects the impulse rather than denying it. boast in the Lord Positive boasting centers on God’s character and works. • Psalm 34:2: “My soul will boast in the LORD; the humble will hear and be glad.” • Galatians 6:14: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: Paul boasts in weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on him. Practical outworkings: – Worship: giving verbal glory to God for salvation, provision, and daily grace. – Humility: recognizing every gift, talent, or opportunity as entrusted by Him (1 Corinthians 4:7). – Witness: pointing others to the Lord rather than to ourselves (Acts 3:12-13). True boasting magnifies Jesus, not the self, because “from Him and through Him and to Him are all things” (Romans 11:36). summary “Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” The flow of thought is simple: God is the sole source of redemption, so human pride has no footing. Scripture backs this up, warning against self-glory while inviting us to celebrate who God is and what He has done in Christ. Our lips may still boast—but only of the Lord’s wisdom, strength, and grace. |
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