so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 1:31
What does 1 Corinthians 1:31 mean?
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1 Corinthians 1:31
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This verse brilliantly flips our usual idea of boasting. Instead of bragging about our own achievements, it redirects our pride to the source of all good things – God Himself. True boasting isn't about what we do, but about acknowledging the amazing power and love of the Lord working in and through us.
so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the deep divisions within the Corinthian church, where people were aligning themselves with different leaders like Apollos or Paul himself. He's just argued that true wisdom and strength come from God, not human eloquence or status, so that no one can brag about their own accomplishments. This verse then becomes the powerful conclusion to that thought: all boasting should be directed towards God's work, not our own.
We all have something we brag about – maybe it's a skill, an achievement, or even our struggles. But the Bible points us to a singular source of legitimate boasting.
This verse is the powerful conclusion to Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians about the wisdom of God versus the wisdom of the world. The Corinthians were divided, boasting in different human leaders and philosophies. Paul reminds them that true wisdom and salvation come from God alone.
God's Exclusive Claim
Boasting in the Lord means recognizing that everything good we have – our salvation, our abilities, our very existence – originates with Him. It's a declaration that no human accomplishment or status can compare to what God has done and who He is.
The world tells us to be proud of ourselves, our achievements, and our independence. But when does that self-reliance become a dangerous distraction?
The Corinthian church was entangled with worldly wisdom and pride. They were impressed by eloquence, intellect, and social status – things that fade. This verse serves as a corrective, exposing the shallowness of human-centered pride.
The Danger of Divided Loyalties
When we boast in anything other than the Lord, we create divisions and place our ultimate trust in something temporary. Our 'boasting' then becomes a reflection of what we value most, and if it's not God, we're on shaky ground.
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Understand the original words
kauchaomai · Greek Verb
To express pride, glory, or exultation in someone or something. Biblically, boasting is prohibited when directed at one's own achievements but commanded when directed toward the character, works, and redemptive acts of God.
kyrios · Greek Noun
The supreme ruler, creator, and sustainer of all things. In the New Testament, this title is frequently applied to Jesus Christ, signifying His deity, authority, and lordship over the life of the believer.
This passage from Jeremiah is the source of the quote Paul uses, directly stating that boasting should be in God's steadfast love and justice, not in human strength or wisdom.
2 Corinthians 10:17Paul echoes this same principle, warning against boasting in oneself and instead directing all pride towards the Lord, reinforcing the idea that any true accomplishment comes from God.
Philippians 3:3Here, Paul contrasts boasting in human achievements and heritage with the true source of confidence, which is found in Christ and in dependence on God's Spirit.
Psalm 34:2This Psalm expresses a heart posture of regularly boasting in the Lord and being glad in Him, showing that this attitude is a consistent theme of praise and trust throughout Scripture.
This verse brilliantly flips our usual idea of boasting. Instead of bragging about our own achievements, it redirects our pride to the source of all good things – God Himself. True boasting isn't about what we do, but about acknowledging the amazing power and love of the Lord working in and through us.
Paul is addressing the deep divisions within the Corinthian church, where people were aligning themselves with different leaders like Apollos or Paul himself. He's just argued that true wisdom and strength come from God, not human eloquence or status, so that no one can brag about their own accomplishments. This verse then becomes the powerful conclusion to that thought: all boasting should be directed towards God's work, not our own.
Paul is addressing the deep divisions within the Corinthian church, where people were aligning themselves with different leaders like Apollos or Paul himself. He's just argued that true wisdom and strength come from God, not human eloquence or status, so that no one can brag about their own accomplishments. This verse then becomes the powerful conclusion to that thought: all boasting should be directed towards God's work, not our own.
"so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”" — This verse brilliantly flips our usual idea of boasting. Instead of bragging about our own achievements, it redirects our pride to the source of all good things – God Himself. True boasting isn't a…
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Last reviewed October 2026