I was in a dorm with about 25 other men. I only knew one of these men.
As we unpacked this complete stranger told us about his life, his accomplishments, his military service, his travels, his education and in general just how wonderful he is. I must admit he had an impressive resume, but I wondered why he needed to brag on himself.
I think he was a complete stranger to all of us. We were there to take advanced training on ministering to others who were suffering from a disaster. Perhaps he wanted us to know how privileged we were to be in his presence. On the other hand, perhaps this was his way of breaking the ice so the rest of us could share and bond. However, none of us did.
He came across as bragging. Most of us avoid boasters.
What is your purpose in life? As Christians our desire should be to help others draw close to the Lord. If we must brag let us brag about Jesus. We all probably have things we could brag about. Accomplishments. Goals set and seen through to the end. Especially things we have done at our Lord’s leadership. However, our tongue often turns people away because of what we say.
“A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness” Proverbs 12:23. Conceal knowledge. Don’t try to impress others. If they seek wisdom and you have the answer patiently and quietly wait your turn to join in the conversation.
Someone has said, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are a fool rather than speak and remove all doubt.”
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” James 3:5. The word “boasteth” in the Greek means to talk big, be grandiloquent (arrogant, egotistic). Try to avoid drawing attention to yourself. And remember the Bible tells us to esteem others better than ourselves.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” Philippians 2:3. Others can consume your time bragging about themselves. You can brag back. You can actually get into an argument about who has done more and who is the best but if there is to be any praise let others praise you.
“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips” Proverbs 27:2. And may I add when others praise you don’t let it give you a big head. You know in your heart how wretched you really are. May we give our praise to praising our Lord.
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him” Psalm 28:7.
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