Topical Encyclopedia Boastfulness, often synonymous with pride and arrogance, is a recurring theme in the Bible, where it is generally portrayed as a negative trait that stands in opposition to the humility and meekness that God desires from His followers. The Bible provides numerous warnings against boastfulness, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's dependence on God rather than one's own abilities or achievements.Old Testament Insights In the Old Testament, boastfulness is frequently associated with the wicked and those who oppose God. The Psalms often highlight the futility and danger of boasting. Psalm 10:3 states, "For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD." This verse illustrates how boastfulness is linked to a rejection of God and a focus on selfish desires. The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, offers numerous admonitions against pride and boasting. Proverbs 27:1 advises, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." This proverb underscores the uncertainty of life and the folly of placing confidence in one's own plans without acknowledging God's sovereignty. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of boastfulness, often contrasting it with the humility exemplified by Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus teaches against self-exaltation and encourages His followers to adopt a posture of humility. In Luke 18:14 , Jesus concludes the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector by saying, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the topic of boasting in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 1:31 , Paul writes, "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'" Here, Paul redirects the focus of boasting from oneself to God, emphasizing that any reason for boasting should be rooted in what God has done rather than personal accomplishments. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , Paul further explains, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage highlights the foundational Christian doctrine that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of human effort, thereby eliminating any grounds for personal boasting. Theological Implications Boastfulness is often seen as a manifestation of the sin of pride, which is considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christian theology. Pride, and by extension boastfulness, is viewed as a barrier to a right relationship with God because it places the self above God and others. The Bible consistently calls believers to humility, recognizing that all good things come from God and that human strength and wisdom are limited. Practical Applications For Christians, the biblical teachings on boastfulness serve as a call to cultivate humility and gratitude. Believers are encouraged to acknowledge their dependence on God in all aspects of life and to give Him the glory for any successes or achievements. This perspective fosters a community of believers who support and uplift one another, recognizing that all are equal before God and reliant on His grace. In summary, the Bible's treatment of boastfulness serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. By focusing on God's greatness rather than personal accomplishments, believers can align themselves more closely with the character of Christ and live in a manner that honors God. Greek 212. alazoneia -- boastfulness ... boastfulness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: alazoneia Phonetic Spelling: (al-ad-zon-i'-a) Short Definition: boasting, show, arrogant display ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/212.htm - 7k Library Whether the Daughters of Vainglory are Suitably Reckoned to be ... I Will Follow the Order of Your Letter, and Subjoin Your Very ... Commandment Eighth. We Ought to Shun that which is Evil, and do ... 2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan A Blow at Self-Righteousness Book viii. The Blessed Apostle Paul in Laying Down the Form for ... The Way of Death. Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience. Argument. --That God is the Founder of all Things, their Lord and ... The Mighty Man Thesaurus Boastfulness (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Boastfulness (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 25:19 Thou hast said, Lo, I have smitten Edom; and thy heart ... /b/boastfulness.htm - 6k Boastfully (6 Occurrences) Boasting (42 Occurrences) Vainglory (2 Occurrences) Offscouring (2 Occurrences) Glory (590 Occurrences) Arrogancy (16 Occurrences) Atheism Resources Boastfulness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Boastfulness (1 Occurrence)2 Chronicles 25:19 Subtopics Related Terms |