In our current times it is generally acceptable to big-up yourself. Unsurprisingly, Scripture does not encourage us in this.
The Facebook generation in particular have taken to annoucing their achievements and other things they are proud of in ways which are cringeworthy. This is done in the form of a general broadcast, all unsundry, rather than those that are near and dear to us who, if it ever was appropriate for us to share these things, it would be with that group only. Sharing with everyone else tends to attract the worst in people including jealousy, coveting and criticism.
Scripture goes further however. ‘Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.’ What wise counsel.
Christ of course is our example when it comes to humility. But just on this verse alone we should reign in the inclines we have to self-promotion. If we are grieved by the realisation that people don’t take kindly to us praising ourselves, ‘why can’t people be happy for me’, this verse puts the ball firmly back in our court. True, their jealousy is wrong. But your praising of yourself is also wrong. And since you caused their jealousy you are doubly responsible.
Let other people do the praising. Even better when people who have no attachment with you praise you. Parents for example often have ulterior motives. A parent praising a child could be a parent indirectly praising themselves! But when strangers praise you it is genuine praise and un-biased. Jealous onlookers should be ashamed of themselves that they can’t bring themselves ‘to be happy’ for you.
