Faith & Reason Nexus

Proverbs 27:1

This passage reminds us not to boast about things that are uncertain, particularly those related to life, prosperity, or any worldly attainments. Here’s a breakdown of what we should not boast about according to Scripture:

Life

• James 4:13-16 – We cannot boast about tomorrow because our plans are uncertain and in God’s hands.
• James 1:7 – Every good gift comes from God, not from our own efforts.
• Acts 17:25 – God is the giver of life and all things, not humans.

Prosperity

• Luke 12:18-21 – The parable of the rich fool shows how boasting in wealth can be folly, as life is uncertain.
• 1 Timothy 6:6-10 – True contentment is found in godliness, not in material wealth.
• Job 1:21 – Job’s acknowledgment that everything he had came from God and could be taken away.

Flesh

• 1 Timothy 1:4 – Boasting in physical, worldly things is vain.
• Acts 12:21-23 – King Herod’s pride in his fleshly power led to his downfall.
• Philippians 3:4-9 – Paul stresses that confidence in the flesh is worthless compared to knowing Christ.

Mental Attainments

• 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 – Paul boasted not in wisdom or eloquence but in Christ crucified.
• 2 Corinthians 4:5 – We should not boast of our own abilities but in God’s power.
• 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 – True wisdom comes from God, and any human wisdom is foolishness in comparison.

Religious Works

• Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is by grace through faith, not by our works, so we should not boast.
• Romans 3:27-28 – We are justified by faith, not by boasting about the law or works.
• Luke 17:10 – We should consider ourselves unworthy servants, not boasting about our works.

Time

• Proverbs 27:1 – We are not promised tomorrow, so we should not boast about what we will do in the future.
• Matthew 24:44 – Be ready for Christ’s return at any time, as we do not know when it will happen.
• Ecclesiastes 8:11 – Delayed judgment may tempt us to take time for granted, but it should not lead us to boast.

Thankfulness is the word, not boastful!
Rather than boasting about what we have or will do, Scripture encourages us to remain humble, acknowledging that everything is a gift from God.