Our eyes must be lifted to God, our Judge and King. We should not be as the Pharisees who: loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (John 12:43) Such an attitude can hinder our faith and possibly even deny us eternal life. Jesus said: How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (John 5:44)
Commending ourselves brings only temporary honour. Of enduring honour Paul writes: not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. (2 Corinthians 10:18) We obtain God’s commendation by glorifying God rather than ourselves, in thought, word and deed.
Of our thoughts, God says: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth. (Jeremiah 9:23,24) Although there is a time to reflect upon past achievements (and to thank God for them,) there is also a time to reflect upon the glory of God and His word, and His future work for us. To those whose focus is only upon their own merit Solomon says: It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. (Proverbs 25:27)
King Nebuchadnezzar gloried in his might, saying: Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O King Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen . . . until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. (Daniel 4:30-32) This is a lesson to all that are proud. Nebuchadnezzar was eventually humbled and said: Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and his ways judgement: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase. (Daniel 4:37)
The Lord Jesus did not claim credit for His achievements, but gave glory to His Father, saying: the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. (John 14:10) What peace and rest, that it is not of ourselves, but of the Father, that our works are perfected.
Not only should we not glory in our achievements, but we should also not glory in our goodness. However good we may be (and Jesus does describe some as having a: good heart, (Luke 8:15)) we should remember that our goodness is inferior to the perfect goodness of God. Jesus said: there is none good but one, that is, God. (Matthew 19:17) To teach such humility the Lord Jesus told the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee.
The proud Pharisee prayed: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. (Luke 18:11) But the tax collector prayed: God be merciful to me a sinner. (Luke 18:13) Jesus said that it was the tax collector rather than the Pharisee who was justified, the reason being that: every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:14)
Although we should strive for perfection, all have faults, and so: It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (Lamentations 3:22) And even of our obedience there is no reason for pride, as Jesus said: when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. (Luke 17:10)
Our speech should seek God’s glory rather than our own. Solomon writes: Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth. (Proverbs 27:2) Proverbs are often general truths rather than absolute truths. And so this proverb does not completely forbid us speaking of our interesting achievements. Even Paul and Barnabas spoke of their achievements when they were: declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. (Acts 15:3) But the proverb speaks against boasting of our merit, motivated, not by the concern to edify others, but by the desire for self-glorification.
Of giving alms, Jesus teaches silence through word and deed, saying that alms should: be in secret. (Matthew 6:4) Those who give alms: to be seen (by others) . . . have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1) But to those who give alms secretly Jesus promises: thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:4)
Secrecy should also be applied to the time spent in prayer. Jesus said: when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:6) Similar logic applies to fasting (Matthew 6:16,17).
But our general manner of life cannot be hid: the fruits of the Spirit, and obedience to the Ten Commandments. Of this Christ said: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) Our aim in doing good should not be to glorify ourselves but our God. Even humility and honesty in business: adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour. (Titus 2:10)