The Boasts of the Heart

It is the story of many people considered mighty in their time. Warriors and tycoons. Kings and generals. The wealthy who amass vast empires. Athletes who dominate competitions.

Many such people have displayed boastful hearts. To their fans, they may seem like heroes. They may feel justified by their proclamations and perspective. They may think they are being penetrating and perceptive.

But the Bible reminds us that God looks at such people differently. He looks into their hearts and grasps their real motives. He also sees their limits and mistakes.

He sees how they actually “practice deceit” and “plot destruction.” He hears when they speak words that wound like deep cuts, delivered by daggers. Regardless of what they may think about themselves, God knows their true intentions, and whether or not they really love what is good.

David saw how many people like this trust in themselves and their own resources. He saw that they were men “who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth.” Who became strong “by destroying others.” David was confident that God knew the truth about every heart, and would take action to judge and correct those with deceitful hearts.

The Bible reminds us why we need to be “like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God.” Instead of trusting in ourselves and filled with boastful pride, we need to “trust in God’s unfailing love.” To realize that our strength comes from Him.

Instead of being filled with boastful pride, we need to be reminded, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Instead of focusing on ourselves, Paul reminds us, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).