The Bible frequently addresses the character of the wicked, highlighting various traits that are contrary to the nature of righteousness. One such trait is boastfulness, which is often associated with pride, arrogance, and a lack of reverence for God. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature and consequences of boastfulness, portraying it as a hallmark of the wicked.

Biblical Descriptions and Examples

Boastfulness is depicted in the Bible as a manifestation of the heart's pride and self-exaltation. In Psalm 10:3, the psalmist describes the wicked as those who "boast in the cravings of their heart; they bless the greedy and revile the LORD." This verse illustrates how the wicked are consumed by their desires and take pride in their sinful pursuits, even to the point of opposing God.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks against the boastful in Isaiah 10:12-13, where the king of Assyria is condemned for his arrogance: "When the Lord has finished all His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He will say, 'I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. For he says: 'By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding.'" Here, the king's boastfulness is directly linked to his downfall, as God opposes those who exalt themselves.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against boastfulness in Romans 1:30, listing it among the characteristics of those who have turned away from God: "slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful; they invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents." This passage underscores the idea that boastfulness is part of a broader pattern of rebellion against divine authority.

Consequences of Boastfulness

The Bible consistently warns that boastfulness leads to destruction. Proverbs 16:18 famously states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This proverb encapsulates the inevitable downfall that follows a boastful attitude, as those who elevate themselves will ultimately be brought low.

James 4:6 further emphasizes God's opposition to the proud: "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The boastful, therefore, find themselves in direct conflict with God, who resists their self-aggrandizement and withholds His grace from them.

Contrast with the Righteous

In contrast to the boastful wicked, the righteous are characterized by humility and reliance on God. The psalmist declares in Psalm 34:2, "My soul will boast in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice." Here, the righteous find their boast not in themselves, but in the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness.

The Apostle Paul exemplifies this attitude in 2 Corinthians 10:17-18: "But, 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.' For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." This passage highlights the proper focus of boasting, directing it towards God's work and approval rather than self-promotion.

Conclusion

The character of the wicked as boastful is a recurring theme in the Bible, serving as a warning against pride and self-exaltation. Through various passages, the Scriptures reveal the destructive nature of boastfulness and the divine opposition it incurs. In contrast, the righteous are called to humility, finding their boast in the Lord and His mighty works.Psalm 10:3
For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and blesses the covetous, whom the LORD abhors.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 49:6
They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
Nave's Topical Index

John Chapter xxi. 12-19.
... or to domineer over them, as "boastful;" or to ... own souls and those of others, as
"wicked;" to outrage ... affection;" to attempt to traduce the character of the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxxiii john chapter xxi.htm

The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood.
... mission, He was never arrogant or boastful, proud or ... temptations of the world and
the wicked one, all ... important element in the Saviour's character and conduct ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the mind which was in.htm

Repentance
... contrary to the benevolence of His character, to that ... regarded himself as a very
wicked man, and ... The Pharisee's boastful, self-righteous prayer showed that his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 3 repentance.htm

Epistle i. To Donatus.
... tossed about on the foam of this boastful age, and ... common; and everywhere in the
multiform character of sin ... innocent; whoever does not imitate the wicked is an ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle i to donatus.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... Had this been a boastful, presumptuous claim, Jacob would ... in words of burning anguish,
while the wicked exult over ... confessions are of the same character as was ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... Had this been a boastful, presumptuous claim, Jacob would ... in words of burning anguish,
while the wicked exult over ... confessions are of the same character as was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

Pseud-Iren??us.
... a love which is not a mere boastful appearance, but ... reduced to ashes, and swept by
the wicked into the ... account which the churches gave of the character of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pseud-irenaeus.htm

Accidents, not Punishments
... has been a drunkard, he has lost his character, and it ... righteous perish suddenly
as well as the wicked"that the ... accuse"far from me be the boastful cry, "God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/accidents not punishments.htm

Putting on the Armour
... most weak characters, he turned out a wicked one, because ... which we can set forth
the essential character of this ... Note the boastful temper which is sure to be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/putting on the armour.htm

God's People Delivered.
... a little before were so reckless, so boastful and defiant ... of the vineyard "will
miserably destroy those wicked men." In ... of God, not only in character, but in ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

What is virtue ethics? | GotQuestions.org

Does God change His mind? | GotQuestions.org

Is God perfect? | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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