2 Corinthians 10:18
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's not about how much you think you're doing well, or how loudly you boast about your own achievements. True approval and lasting worth come from God's assessment, not your own or anyone else's, reminding us where our ultimate validation should always be sought.
Paul is addressing a situation where some people are boasting about their own achievements and credentials, trying to elevate themselves above him. He's contrasting their self-promotion with true godly leadership, which is validated not by personal praise but by God's own approval. This sets up his argument that his authority comes directly from Christ, not from any human status or boasting.
In a world that constantly encourages us to brag about our achievements, Paul throws us a curveball. Why is boasting about yourself actually a red flag?
Paul confronts the Corinthians' tendency to measure themselves and others by human standards, especially by self-promotion. He’s saying that relying on your own opinion of yourself, or even the applause of others who are also flawed, is a shaky foundation.
Why Self-Commendation Fails:
So, if our own applause and the crowd's cheers don't count, who does the approving? Paul points to a singular, authoritative source.
Paul shifts the focus entirely to God's perspective. True approval doesn't come from meeting worldly benchmarks or gaining popularity. It comes from being recognized and affirmed by the Lord Himself.
What Does 'Approved by the Lord' Mean?
Understand the original words
synistēmi · Greek Verb
To speak well of someone or to present as worthy of trust or office. When self-inflicted, it implies vanity; when divine, it signifies authentic validation.
dokimos · Greek Adjective
One who is found genuine or acceptable after being tested. In a biblical context, it refers to a person whose life and ministry have met God’s standard of faithfulness.
This passage reminds us that God looks at the heart and outward appearance, highlighting that true approval comes from God's perspective, not human assessment.
Proverbs 27:2Similar to our verse, this proverb states that others should praise you, not your own mouth, emphasizing the importance of external validation from God and community over self-praise.
Matthew 6:1-4Jesus teaches about giving to the needy, praying, and fasting in secret, so that our Heavenly Father can reward us, directly contrasting self-promotion with seeking God's commendation.
John 5:41Jesus himself states, 'I do not accept praise from men,' demonstrating that true value and validation come from God alone, not from seeking the approval of others.
It's not about how much you think you're doing well, or how loudly you boast about your own achievements. True approval and lasting worth come from God's assessment, not your own or anyone else's, reminding us where our ultimate validation should always be sought.
Paul is addressing a situation where some people are boasting about their own achievements and credentials, trying to elevate themselves above him. He's contrasting their self-promotion with true godly leadership, which is validated not by personal praise but by God's own approval. This sets up his argument that his authority comes directly from Christ, not from any human status or boasting.
Paul is addressing a situation where some people are boasting about their own achievements and credentials, trying to elevate themselves above him. He's contrasting their self-promotion with true godly leadership, which is validated not by personal praise but by God's own approval. This sets up his argument that his authority comes directly from Christ, not from any human status or boasting.
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"For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." — It's not about how much you think you're doing well, or how loudly you boast about your own achievements. True approval and lasting worth come from God's assessment, not your own or anyone else's,…
