31 Days With the Book of Proverbs: A Daily Bible Study – Day 28
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.”
Proverbs 27:1-2
The two proverbs go together. We are warned not to boast in each, for tomorrow may bring another verdict, and self-praise, well, is just not seemly.
We’ve seen this over and over again with our investment portfolios. We think all is well, and tell others, and along comes the unexpected covid-19, and poof! Our securities nosedive. Better to take each day one at a time, and be grateful for the gift of today! (another proverb) And a braggart, someone who touts their own accomplishments, well, that is so often a true turn-off. It’s common sense.
Paul warned the early Christians against “boasting.” “Boast in the Lord” he advises. Even that might well be done modestly. I remember some folk in one church who boasted they were the only Christians in the congregation. And they separated themselves from the others. Not the way to win disciples for Christ! I am reminded of Brother Lawrence, who never revealed for years he was the abbot of the monastery, but rather was content to be mistaken for the monastery’s cook, and found himself at home in the presence of God amidst the pots and pans of the kitchen. He found he could practice the presence of God there as well as at the altar of the blessed sacrament. How are we doing in our lives at practicing the presence of God? I know I can do better.
Drew Harvey
Brody Childs on Unsplash
