What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 10:17? Rather - The word signals a sharp contrast with the self-promoting attitudes Paul has just corrected (2 Colossians 10:12). - Paul turns the focus away from human commendations to God’s commendation (2 Colossians 10:18). - This mirrors Jeremiah 9:23-24, where the Lord warns, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom… but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me.” - Key takeaway: whenever we sense pride rising, Scripture redirects us: move from “Look at me” to “Look at Him.” Let him who boasts - Boasting itself is not forbidden; its object determines its righteousness. - Paul admits there can be legitimate joy in achievements (Romans 15:17), yet quickly attributes any fruit to God’s grace (1 Colossians 15:10). - When we aim praise at ourselves, we: • Steal honor that belongs to God (Isaiah 42:8) • Mislead others into trusting human ability (Psalm 146:3) • Set ourselves up for God’s opposition, because “God opposes the proud” (James 4:6). - Therefore, the verse calls every believer to examine the direction of his or her applause. Boast in the Lord - True boasting magnifies who God is and what He has done. - Paul models this: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). - Ways to boast biblically: • Celebrate God’s salvation (Psalm 34:2: “My soul will boast in the LORD; the humble will hear and rejoice.”) • Attribute every gift and success to His enabling (1 Colossians 4:7) • Speak of His faithfulness in trials, like Paul’s own sufferings recounted earlier (2 Colossians 1:8-10). - Such boasting redirects listeners’ confidence toward the Lord, strengthening faith within the body (Hebrews 10:24). summary 2 Corinthians 10:17 turns the spotlight from human credentials to God’s glory. Any ground for celebration—wisdom, strength, accomplishments—finds its proper outlet when we praise the Lord who provided them. By shifting from self-exaltation to God-exaltation, we walk in humble dependence, invite divine approval, and encourage others to trust the One who alone deserves all boasting. |
    |