Day 23 — Let Someone Else Say It

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.”

— Proverbs 27:2 (BSB)

“I’m the best player on the team.” “I scored four goals today.” “I beat everybody.” “I’m way better than him.” “I got the highest score in the class.”

Bragging is really common among guys. We like people to know how good we are. So we tell them, over and over.

But Proverbs gives some simple advice: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.”

In other words, if you’re really good at something, you don’t need to tell everybody. Let other people notice. Let them say it.

Why is bragging a problem?

It pushes people away. Nobody likes hanging out with a guy who’s always talking about how great he is.

It makes others feel small. When you brag about beating someone, it can make them feel bad about themselves.

It’s usually pride. Bragging comes from wanting people to think you’re important. And the Bible says a lot about how pride leads to a fall.

It forgets where your gifts come from. Every ability you have is a gift from God. You didn’t make yourself fast, strong or smart.

What should you do instead?

• Let your actions speak. Play well, work hard and let people see it for themselves.
• Give credit to others. “Great pass!” “We won as a team.”
• Thank God for your abilities, instead of taking all the credit.
• When someone compliments you, just say “Thanks!” instead of adding more about how great you are.
• Praise others instead of praising yourself.

Being humble doesn’t mean pretending you’re bad at things or refusing to accept compliments. It means not needing to be the center of attention. It means knowing that your gifts come from God, and using them to lift others up.

Think about it: Do you brag? What do you usually brag about? Why do you think you do it?

Try this: Go a whole day without bragging. Instead, praise at least three other people for something they did well.

Dear God, forgive me for bragging. Help me remember that every gift I have comes from You. Help me let others do the praising, and help me praise others instead of myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.