I Don’t Mean to Brag!
"Do not boast…. Let another
man praise you, and not your
own mouth."
Proverbs 27: 1-2
Two men were talking, and one said, “I don’t mean to brag
about my financial skills, but the bank calls every
week to
tell me my debt is outstanding.” The other replied, “Well,
I don’t want to brag either, but my psychologist says I
have the biggest ego he’s ever seen.”
There’s something about bragging that displays immaturity.
Paul had plenty to brag about—his
heritage, his pedigree,
his zeal, and his accomplishments. But he chose to live in
humility and not allow pride to overtake him.
Bragging comes more naturally than humility, just
like weeds grow in a garden easier than vegetables.
A garden needs to be cultivated. God cultivates our
hearts so we brag less and worship more.
The Bible says, “‘Let the one 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”
(2 Corinthians 10:17-18).
The next time you feel like bragging about something,
try this. Instead of speaking to someone else in pride,
speak to God in thanksgiving. After all, He and
He
alone is the One who blessed you.
"The surest mark of true
conversion is humility."
J. C. Ryle
