Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context: Bragging, often synonymous with boasting, refers to the act of speaking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities. In the biblical context, bragging is generally viewed negatively, as it reflects a heart of pride and self-exaltation, which is contrary to the humility that God desires from His people.
Biblical References: The Bible addresses the concept of bragging in various passages, often warning against the dangers of pride and self-glorification. In the Old Testament, the wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, frequently contrasts the proud with the humble.
Proverbs 27:2 advises, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips." This verse underscores the importance of humility and the avoidance of self-praise.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks against boasting in several of his epistles. In
1 Corinthians 1:31, Paul writes, "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'" This echoes the Old Testament sentiment found in
Jeremiah 9:23-24, where the Lord declares that one should not boast in wisdom, might, or riches, but in understanding and knowing Him.
Theological Implications: Bragging is often rooted in pride, which is considered a sin because it places self above God. The Bible teaches that all good things come from God, and thus, any boasting should be directed towards Him rather than oneself.
James 4:16 states, "As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil." This highlights the sinful nature of self-centered bragging and the need for believers to recognize their dependence on God.
Moral and Ethical Considerations: From a moral and ethical standpoint, bragging can lead to a host of relational issues, including envy, strife, and division. It can create barriers between individuals and communities, as it often involves elevating oneself at the expense of others. The Bible encourages believers to pursue humility and to consider others more significant than themselves, as seen in
Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves."
Practical Application: For Christians, the call to avoid bragging is a call to cultivate humility and gratitude. Believers are encouraged to recognize their achievements and blessings as gifts from God and to use them for His glory rather than personal gain. By focusing on God's grace and provision, Christians can develop a heart of thankfulness and a spirit of service, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions with others.
Conclusion: While the Bible acknowledges the human tendency to boast, it consistently points believers towards a life of humility and God-centeredness. By understanding the biblical perspective on bragging, Christians are better equipped to live in a manner that honors God and fosters genuine community.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To talk about one's self, or things pertaining to one's self, in a manner intended to excite admiration, envy, or wonder; to talk boastfully; to boast; -- often followed by of; as, to brag of one's exploits, courage, or money, or of the great things one intends to do.
2. (v. t.) To boast of.
3. (n.) A boast or boasting; bragging; ostentatious pretense or self glorification.
4. (n.) The thing which is boasted of.
5. (n.) A game at cards similar to bluff.
6. (v. i.) Brisk; full of spirits; boasting; pretentious; conceited.
7. (adv.) Proudly; boastfully.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BRAG(megalaucheo, "proud brags"): Occurs only in the Apocrypha (2 Maccabees 15:32), not being sufficiently dignified to be given a place in the canonical Scriptures by the King James translators (compare Judith 16:5).
Greek
4068. perpereuomai -- to boast ... Cor 13:4). Word Origin from perperos (vainglorious) Definition to boast
NASB Word Usage
brag (1).
brag. Middle voice from perperos
... Strong's Hebrew
907. bad -- empty, idle talk... priests (1). liar, lie. From bada'; a
brag or lie; also a liar -- liar, lie.
see HEBREW bada'. 906, 907. bad. 908 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N. , My ...
... Rather we will become their judge and master. We, too, are going to be
proud and brag with these blockheads; and just as St. Paul ...
Significant Phrases
... bone and sinew. boundless and unlimited. bourgeois and snobbish. brag and chatter.
bravado and cowardice. brave and chivalrous. breathless and reverential. ...
The Creation
... Our beginning was of nothing. Some brag of their birth and ancestry; but
how little cause have they to boast who came from nothing. ...
To-Morrow
... Let a man brag as he will, he is none the greater for his bragging; nay,
he is the less for men invariably think the worse of him. ...
To-Morrow
... Let a man brag as he will, he is none the greater for his bragging; nay,
he is the less, for men invariably think the worse of him. ...
Sun and Wind
... head.". Usually it is the weak people who bluster like the northwind, and
storm and brag. Strong people are usually quiet. There ...
Empedocles Increased the Absurdity of Pythagoras by Developing the ...
... hero, declares in so many words: "I once was Thamnus, and a fish." Why not rather
a melon, seeing that he was such a fool; or a cameleon, for his inflated brag ...
Walamir and St. Telemachus
... stands! Tell them at Constantinople that, in spite of the brag of Stilico's
bard, Claudian, we were not beaten at Pollentia. The ...
How Pompey when the Citizens of Jerusalem Shut their Gates against ...
... And that this is not a mere brag, or an encomium to manifest a degree of our piety
that was false, but is the real truth, I appeal to those that have written ...
To the Philadelphians
... 3I thank my God that in my relations with you I have nothing to be ashamed of. No
one can brag secretly or openly that I was the slightest burden to anyone. ...
Thesaurus
Brag (6 Occurrences)... to one's self, in a manner intended to excite admiration, envy, or wonder; to talk
boastfully; to boast; -- often followed by of; as, to
brag of one's
...BRAG.
...Vaunt (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To boast; to make a vain display of one's own
worth, attainments, decorations, or the like; to talk ostentatiously; to brag. ...
Braided (10 Occurrences)
Boast (86 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To vaunt one's self; to brag; to say or tell things which are intended to
give others a high opinion of one's self or of things belonging to one's self ...
Vapor (6 Occurrences)
... be exhaled; to evaporate. 8. (n.) To emit vapor or fumes. 9. (n.) To talk
idly; to boast or vaunt; to brag. 10. (vt) To send off ...
Leavened (16 Occurrences)
... Amos 4:5 offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim
free will offerings and brag about them: for this pleases you, you children ...
Flourish (26 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To execute an irregular or fanciful strain of music, by way of
ornament or prelude. 7. (vi) To boast; to vaunt; to brag. ...
Patient (34 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy.
Love doesn't brag, is not proud, (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). 1 ...
Proud (96 Occurrences)
... God. (See RSV). 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't
envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, (WEB NIV). 2 Corinthians ...
Babbler (4 Occurrences)
... British and American) CHARMER; lapistes, the King James Version of Ecclesiasticus
20:7; the Revised Version (British and American) BRAG; spermologos; the King ...
Resources
What does it mean that love does not boast (1 Corinthians 13:4)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to “count the cost” (Luke 14:28)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is love? | GotQuestions.orgBrag: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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