Have you ever been around a braggart? This is someone who literally loves to sing his own praises. Instead of focusing his attention on those around him, it is all centered on his own merits, achievements, or talents.

The Bible warns in Proverbs 27:2 that you should “let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” Often, people who have a tendency to brag are individuals who have not learned to find their fulfillment in Christ. Their identity is based on themselves, not their relationship with God.

By boasting about their accomplishments, they are trying feel accepted based on what they have done.

2 Corinthians 10:12 admonishes that those who compare themselves to others are not showing wisdom. The standard of measurement should be Christ and Him alone.

We each need to learn to live for an audience of one—Jesus Christ. When your actions are determined by what Christ wants, you will no longer need to find your fulfillment by bragging.

This article is part of the “Love Lessons from 1 Corinthians 13″ series. You can view the introduction to the series here.