The Bible talks a lot about boasting and frequently warns against pride and self-exaltation. “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips,” says Proverbs 27:2. This proverb serves as a reminder that genuine glory stems not from highlighting our own achievements but rather from humility and integrity. The Bible makes it clear that boasting is a sign of a heart that is more self-centered than God-centered.
Scripture reroutes bragging, but it does not outright prohibit it. Paul said, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord,” in 1 Corinthians 1:31. Rather than bragging about their own strength, intelligence, or prestige, believers are urged to honor God’s grace and power. To boast in the Lord is to acknowledge that all of our blessings and accomplishments are a result of Him, not of our own efforts.
The risk of boasting is that it frequently breeds pride, which pulls us away from God. “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble,” according to James 4:6. In order to encourage believers to walk humbly with God, the Bible frequently contrasts pride and humility. Scripture continually cautions against putting our egos above God’s glory, which is what happens when we take pride in ourselves.
But the Bible also describes a righteous assurance that results from understanding our identity in Christ. Paul says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,” in Galatians 6:14. This kind of boasting stems from amazement and thankfulness rather than conceit. As we examine Bible verses pertaining to bragging, we will see that God commands us to live lives that exalt Him rather than ourselves.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Boasting in 2025
1. Jeremiah 9:23-24
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me…’”
This powerful declaration sets the foundation for biblical humility. God directly contrasts worldly pride with spiritual understanding. Instead of boasting in earthly success, God calls us to find our identity in knowing Him. This verse dismantles superficial arrogance and redirects our confidence toward intimacy with the Creator.
2. 1 Corinthians 1:31
“Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’”
Paul echoes the prophet Jeremiah, emphasizing that all boasting should be centered on the Lord. In a culture that celebrates personal achievement, this verse challenges us to redirect our praise. True honor lies not in self-exaltation but in acknowledging God as the source of all we have and are.
3. Proverbs 27:1
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
This verse cautions against presumption. Boasting about the future reflects a heart that leans on its own plans rather than on God’s sovereignty. The wisdom of Proverbs teaches us to live with humility and dependence on God’s will, not in prideful assumptions.
4. James 4:16
“As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”
James directly confronts the sinfulness of boasting, especially when it comes from self-centered ambition. Boasting in personal plans without acknowledging God reveals arrogance. The Bible consistently portrays such pride not just as misguided—but as evil.
5. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18
“But, ‘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.”
Approval in God’s eyes does not come from self-promotion but from divine commendation. Paul reminds believers that boasting should always be rooted in the Lord’s work and will. Human accolades pale in comparison to God’s affirmation.
6. Galatians 6:14
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Paul’s declaration is a model for Christian humility. All human achievements fade when compared to the redemptive power of Christ’s cross. Boasting in the cross means exalting God’s grace over our merit, and surrendering worldly pride for spiritual transformation.
7. Psalm 75:4-5
“To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.’”
This psalm confronts the pride of the wicked who exalt themselves. “Lifting up the horn” is a symbol of strength and power. God warns against prideful defiance, reminding us that all authority ultimately belongs to Him, and arrogant boasting will be brought low.
8. Romans 3:27
“Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith.”
Boasting has no place in salvation, Paul argues. Righteousness is not earned by works but received by faith. This verse dismantles any grounds for self-righteousness and underscores the grace-based nature of redemption. We boast not in our deeds but in God’s mercy.
9. Proverbs 25:14
“Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.”
This proverb paints a vivid image of empty promises. Boasting about what one doesn’t deliver is like a storm that brings no rain—loud, but fruitless. God calls for integrity in speech and action, reminding us that real value lies in substance, not show.
10. 1 Samuel 2:3
“Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.”
In Hannah’s song of praise, she warns against arrogant speech. God is not impressed by empty words; He examines the heart and weighs our actions. Boasting is hollow before the One who knows every intention and measures every deed with perfect justice.
11. 2 Timothy 3:1-2
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive…”
Paul lists boasting as a sign of moral decay in the end times. In a culture obsessed with self-love and materialism, boasting becomes a natural expression of rebellion against God. This verse warns believers not to conform to such behavior but to pursue godly humility.
12. Psalm 34:2
“I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”
David resolves to boast in God alone. Unlike worldly boasting, which elevates self, godly boasting lifts up the name of the Lord and brings joy to the oppressed. It’s an invitation to join in praise rooted in God’s goodness rather than human greatness.
13. 1 Corinthians 4:7
“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”
Paul challenges the Corinthian church’s pride. Everything we possess—talents, blessings, opportunities—are gifts from God. Boasting as if we earned them independently reveals a heart disconnected from gratitude. This verse anchors us in the truth of divine generosity.
14. Isaiah 10:15
“Does the ax raise itself above the person who swings it, or the saw boast against the one who uses it?”
God rebukes Assyria’s arrogance with a powerful metaphor. Tools don’t boast about their power—the craftsman wields them. Likewise, humans are instruments in God’s hand. This verse reminds us that boasting is foolish when we are entirely dependent on the One who gives strength and purpose.
15. Psalm 20:7
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
While others boast in military strength or worldly security, God’s people place their confidence in His name. This verse teaches that faith in God, not in earthly power, is our true foundation. It reframes boasting as a declaration of divine trust.
16. Deuteronomy 8:17-18
“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…”
This passage addresses the temptation to boast in personal success. God reminds Israel that their prosperity comes not from their own efforts, but from His provision. Boasting in self is a spiritual amnesia—forgetting the Source behind every blessing.
17. Matthew 6:1
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Jesus warns against spiritual boasting—performing religious deeds to gain human praise. Such acts, though outwardly righteous, lose their eternal value when fueled by pride. True piety seeks God’s approval, not man’s applause.
18. Psalm 52:1
“Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?”
This psalm confronts those who boast in wickedness. Earthly power and cunning may impress the world, but God sees it as disgrace. Boasting in evil reveals a hardened heart that stands in opposition to God’s justice and holiness.
19. Romans 5:2-3
“…We boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance…”
Paul offers a redeemed view of boasting—not in status or comfort, but in God’s glory and even in suffering. Through trials, believers are refined, and boasting becomes a declaration of hope, not pride.
20. 1 Kings 20:11
“One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.”
This proverb-like warning was given to a prideful king preparing for battle. It reminds us not to boast before victory is secured. The verse speaks against overconfidence and underscores the unpredictability of life’s battles—only God ensures outcomes.
21. Job 8:2
“How long will you say such things? Your words are a blustering wind.”
Bildad rebukes Job, accusing him of prideful speech. While the context is complex, the verse illustrates how boasting can sound like empty wind—loud but lacking substance. It’s a poetic reminder that true wisdom speaks with humility.
22. Isaiah 2:11
“The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.”
In the face of divine judgment, human boasting is silenced. Isaiah proclaims that God alone will receive glory. All who exalt themselves will be brought low. This verse underscores God’s supremacy and the folly of prideful self-promotion.
23. Luke 18:11-12
“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people…’”
Jesus highlights the arrogance of the Pharisee who boasts of his moral superiority. Though religious, his heart is steeped in pride. This parable teaches that spiritual boasting distances us from God’s mercy, while humility invites His grace.
24. Psalm 94:4
“They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.”
Boasting is often the language of the wicked. This verse links prideful speech with injustice, showing that arrogant words often precede evil actions. God is attentive to such behavior and promises to deal with it in righteousness.
25. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“…Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Paul flips boasting on its head—rejoicing not in strength, but in weakness. This countercultural truth reveals that God’s power is made perfect when we admit our need. Such boasting glorifies Christ, not self.
26. Hosea 12:8
“Ephraim boasts, ‘I am very rich; I have become wealthy. With all my wealth they will not find in me any iniquity or sin.’”
Here, boasting blinds Ephraim to its own sin. Material wealth becomes a false shield against accountability. This verse shows how pride can deceive us into thinking we are righteous, when in reality we are far from God.
27. Obadiah 1:12
“You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune…”
God rebukes Edom for pridefully rejoicing in Israel’s downfall. Boasting over others’ failures reflects a heart of cruelty, not compassion. God calls His people to mourn with those who mourn—not to exalt themselves over their pain.
28. Philippians 3:3
“…we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh…”
True worshipers boast only in Christ. Paul draws a clear line between self-reliance and Spirit-led faith. Confidence in the flesh leads to pride, but boasting in Christ centers us on grace, dependence, and spiritual truth.
29. Jeremiah 48:30
“I know her insolence but it is futile,” declares the Lord, “and her boasts accomplish nothing.”
Speaking of Moab, God declares that arrogant boasting is ultimately empty. This verse reminds us that pride without purpose, and arrogance without obedience, lead to futility. Only God-glorifying speech endures.
30. Psalm 44:8
“In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.”
This closing verse captures the heart of biblical boasting—rejoicing in God continually. Rather than fleeting pride in human strength, this is a lasting joy rooted in God’s faithfulness. Boasting becomes a form of worship when directed toward Him.
Conclusion
The Bible makes it quite evident that boasting about oneself is a sign of arrogance and misguided confidence. Instead of elevating our own skills, knowledge, or achievements, Scripture encourages us to be humble and acknowledge that all we hold is a gift from God. In addition to causing spiritual decline, boasting about our own strength diverts our attention from God, the real source of our value and achievement.
But not all boasting is condemned by the Bible. It distinguishes between righteous glorying in the Lord and arrogant self-glory. We are reminded in 2 Corinthians 10:17 to “let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” Our boasting turns into an act of worship when it is focused on God’s might, grace, and faithfulness; it bears witness to His goodness and exalts His name.
In a society that promotes self-aggrandizement, the biblical view of boasting provides a much-needed counterpoint. We are encouraged to take pride in what God has done for us via Christ rather than in our assets, skills, or accomplishments. True confidence comes from exalting the One who provides us life, strength, and purpose rather than from elevating ourselves.
