Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:31 (NIV)

so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:31 (KJV)

Theme:  Living According to God’s Word

Last week Proverbs 16:18 provided a warning against pride, but here in 1st Corinthians Paul shares something we should definitely brag about … “Let one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

“Therefore, as it is written” at the beginning of 1 Corinthians 1:31 refers to Jeremiah 9:23-24, so let’s take a look at that passage:
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, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. – Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)

In other words, let’s not brag about human traits — intelligence, athletic skills, artistic talents, wealth, beauty, etc.  These things are worthless compared to our God. If we’re going to boast about anything, it should be about something much more valuable — that we know the one and only God. And, by the way, our God is kind, just, and righteous.

In the build up to this week’s verse Paul provides some context to help us keep our human “greatness” in perspective.  He reminds us that the “foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Cor 1:25).  What a great comparison.  The wisest we could ever be in human terms can’t hold a candle to the foolishness of the Creator of the universe and all it holds.

So…if we’re going to brag about anything, let’s boast in our LORD.

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