Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let another praise you and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27: 1-2, ESV)
You know the type! They are our classmates, colleagues, and fellow club members. It’s the guy who seemingly knows how to get every conversation turned around so he can talk about himself—yada, yada, yada. And endlessly more yada! Annoyingly, the conversation is a never-ending “I”—I did this; I did that!
To this day, my wife and I marvel at conversations we’ve had with those eager to answer questions about themselves while never considering returning the favor. You’ll never hear them ask in kind, “What about you? Tell me your story!” This self-centeredness is on a personal level. But what about on a cultural level?
Do we really need more award shows like the ESPYS with celebrities talking about themselves? Award shows or Hall of Fame inductions organized to recognize the accomplishments of athletes are wonderful if the one being eulogized is not the same as the one giving the eulogy. Listening to someone talk about themselves ad nauseum is repelling.
However, when I inquire, I’m inspired by hearing someone tell me they shot sixty-eight on a difficult course. For example, I have a private agreement with one of my closest friends. When he “goes low,” I want to hear about it. He is always reluctant, but I eventually extract the highlights. That’s not boasting.
My club recently hosted an AJGA event. On the second day of the competition, a young man tied the course record with a sterling 61. He did it from the “tips,” too. It’s not only the PGA Tour players; these guys are good, too.
The week before the AJGA arrived, our club hosted a high school tournament. A young lady, a sophomore at that, shot 63; she was out in 35 and in in 28. You won’t hear her bragging about it either. She goes about her business with a quiet demeanor. Refreshingly, she has a decorum beyond her years.
If I run into either of these players, I won’t hesitate to ask them for a shot-by-shot recap. If they oblige, that’s not “boasting.” Going home and celebrating with family is also quite appropriate. On the other hand, if either of them spends time bragging on themselves to their classmates, that qualifies as boasting. But neither is likely to do that.
Solomon’s goal in this proverb, at least in part, is to remind us that a modicum of humility is becoming for the Christian. In short, let someone else brag on you or your achievements. That’s one of the many things we love about Jack. When asked, he will accommodate journalists with a shot-by-shot recap, but he always appears modest.
I am reasonably certain that underneath all the bravado some people project is a desperate cry to matter—to make a difference with their lives. Of course, there is way more involved here, but behind all the swagger is a man or woman made in the image of God desperate to be recognized, valued, and appreciated.
Our need for recognition is deeply ingrained in our nature. Learning to receive recognition from the Lord rather than calling attention to ourselves is the secret to overcoming that baneful habit of boasting about ourselves.
Learning to live coram Deo (or before the face of God) will satisfy our souls infinitely more than living for the praise of men.
Living our lives so that one day in the future we can hear the Lord say, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” should be sufficient motivation for the present.
If we must boast, “…let us boast that we know the Lord….” (cf. Jeremiah 9:24).
Prayer – Jesus, teach us to hear your affirmations