Boasting is a concept that appears in the Bible and has a very important meaning in the context of faith. In this article, we will explore in depth what boasting means in the Bible, its etymology, and its origin.
The word “boast” comes from the Latin “iactantia”, which means “conceit” or “vainglory”. In the Bible, it is mentioned in several passages as a negative behavior that should be avoided by believers.
The origin of boasting goes back to the sin of pride and arrogance. In the book of Proverbs, we are warned about the dangers of boasting and urged to be humble: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what the day will bring” (Proverbs 27:1).
In addition, in the book of James we are told: “Now listen to what they say: «Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, we will stay there for a year, we will do business and we will earn money». And you do not even know what tomorrow will bring you! What is your life? You are a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you should say, “If the Lord willing, we will live and do this or that”” (James 4:13-15 ).
These verses teach us that boasting is a show of confidence in oneself and one’s own abilities, rather than trusting in God and His will for our lives. It is an arrogant attitude that distances us from dependence and trust in God.
In the Bible, we find examples of characters who fell into boasting and suffered the consequences. A clear example is King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. After achieving success and greatness, he boasted of his own power and was humiliated by God, turning into an animal for a certain time until he recognized God’s sovereignty.
Boasting involves not only bragging about our own abilities and achievements, but also putting others down. It opposes the principles of love and humility taught by Jesus. In the book of Corinthians we are told: “Love is not boastful, it is not puffed up…” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
As believers, we must avoid boasting and cultivate humility and love towards others. We must recognize that all we have and are comes from God and that our abilities and accomplishments are blessings to be used for his glory.
In short, boasting is negative behavior that goes against the tenets of the Christian faith. It originates in the sin of pride and arrogance, and manifests itself through self-confidence and contempt for others. As believers, we must avoid boasting and cultivate humility and love towards others, recognizing that everything we have and are comes from God.
Last updated: June 30, 2023