Bragging is Not Biblical

We are perhaps the most conceited people of any era in history.

People once understood Proverbs 27:2:
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips."

Now, self-praise is common, whether coming from celebrities or ordinary children, on TV, social media, and in everyday conversations.

Love of self was the original sin—Eve wanted to be like God (Genesis 3:4-5).

And love of self has kept us sinning ever since. 

But Christians should recognize the errors of the self-esteem movement.(1)

We have Scripture to guide us:

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought...” Romans 12:3

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves…'” Matthew 16:24

“In humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (also Romans 12:10)

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…he made himself nothing...” Philippians 2:5-7

Humility is biblical. Conceit is not. 

The only time that bragging is Scriptural is when we are bragging on God!
------------------------------
(1) Scripture speaks negatively of people who love themselves – 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Some good articles on this subject:
Do You Love Yourself Enough?
Biblical Self-Esteem Archive of 1-minute devotions

Bible Love Notes