In a culture known for selfies and social media influencers, it’s not uncommon for people to think they need to make a name for themselves. In past generations, humility and discreetness were valued as virtues, but in today’s society, the mindset is, “If you don’t blow your own horn, no one else will.” The problem is, the attitude isn’t biblical. In fact, it’s a sin. In the New Testament, James instructed readers, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10). As Christians, we aren’t called to make a name for ourselves. We are called to bring attention to the name of Christ. So does that mean we are to sideline our ambition? No, it just means we are to approach our work with a different attitude.
The book of Proverbs offers another way. Solomon wrote, “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips” (27:2). No one enjoys the company of a braggart. When we sing our own praises, we aren’t drawing attention to God but attempting to bring glory to ourselves. Calling attention to our achievements is a sin motivated by pride because we want to be sure everyone else recognizes our ability and gives us due credit.[1] Obviously, there is nothing wrong with ambition—progress depends on it. And there is nothing wrong with being commended for our work. But Solomon instructed that if there is real merit in something we’ve done, others will notice and give credit where it’s due.
Seeking the praise of others can lead to an unhealthy desire for adulation and has the potential to damage our relationship with God. In the gospel of John, such a thing happened to the Jews: “Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God” (John 12:42-43).
At the core of idolatry is loving something more than we love God. Bragging is not only obnoxious; it’s dangerous because it can lead to a love of praise from others. When we put the praise of man at the center of our aspirations, we will inevitably lead a life of desperation. Human beings are fickle, and we will never keep other people satisfied for long. And even in the midst of human praise, we have needs that can only be met by God. Humility is the answer, and that means doing our best work for an audience of One.
[1] Bruce K. Waltke, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament: The Book of Proverbs Chapters 16-31 (Grand Rapids: MI: Eerdmans, 2004, 186).
