“That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”– 1 Corinthians 1:31 (KJV)
“Therefore, as the Scriptures say, If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”– 1 Corinthians 1:31 (NLT)
“So, we have this saying: If you’re going to blow a horn, blow it in a way that honors God.”– 1 Corinthians 1:31 (MSG)
What Does 1 Corinthians 1:31 Mean?
In this passage, Paul highlights a central theme in Christian life—boasting in the Lord. The verse conveys a powerful message about where our pride and glory should lie. While we may accomplish many things in our lives, whether it be through education, career successes, or personal achievements, this verse reminds us that true glory belongs to God. Instead of glorifying ourselves or taking credit for our successes, we ought to recognize the hand of God in everything we do.
The Apostle Paul points us to the source of our strength, wisdom, and righteousness. The implication here is that any glory we might think we deserve pales in comparison to the glory of God. In reflecting on this, we might realize that our journey, struggles, and victories are intricately tied to our faith and God’s providence. Paul’s words encourage us to shift our focus and put God at the center of our lives.
1 Corinthians 1:31 Explanation and Commentary
The context of 1 Corinthians 1:31 is essential for a fuller understanding of this verse. In the past verses, Paul has been arguing against the divisions and factions in the Corinthian church. He emphasizes the foolishness of human wisdom compared to God’s wisdom. By reminding the Corinthians that boasting should only be in the Lord, Paul clarifies that all wisdom, strength, and righteousness come ultimately from God.
We live in a culture that often celebrates individual achievements, leading to a mindset where boasting comes naturally. However, this passage prompts us to consider the heart behind our accomplishments. Have we achieved things out of sheer talent or intellect? Or have we relied on God’s guidance and sovereignty throughout the process? This self-examination is vital for fostering humility and faithfulness in our Christian walk.
Paul’s exhortation is further supported by other scripture, such as Jeremiah 9:23-24, which states, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the mighty man boast in his might, nor the rich man boast in his riches; but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me.” This further emphasizes that understanding and knowing God should be the primary source of our pride.
This calls us to a life of gratitude and recognition that our accomplishments and capabilities are gifts from God. When we acknowledge His role in our lives, we find purpose and direction. Our boast becomes a testimony to others about God’s faithfulness in our lives.
Context of 1 Corinthians 1:31
To truly grasp the importance of 1 Corinthians 1:31, we must look closely at the context of the entire chapter. Paul introduces his letter by addressing division among the believers in Corinth. They had been arguing over who was the best teacher or leader among them. Some were claiming allegiance to Paul, while others gravitated toward Apollos, Peter, or Christ.
In the passage leading up to verse 31, Paul discusses the foolishness of worldly wisdom and how it contrasts sharply with God’s wisdom. He highlights how the message of the cross seems foolish to those who are perishing, while it is the power of God for those being saved. In this light, glorying in something as seemingly weak as the cross makes sense only in a faith context where God’s plans are prioritized above human understanding.
Furthermore, Paul underscores how God often chooses the weak, lowly, and despised aspects of the world to bring about His purposes. This theme of divine paradox runs throughout the letter, reinforcing the notion that God’s ways are not our ways. For us, recognizing our limitations is crucial; it allows God to work through us more freely.
1 Corinthians 1:31 is not just a standalone verse; rather, it is part of Paul’s broader argument to demonstrate that God deserves the glory in any success, wisdom, strength, or righteousness we may experience.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Corinthians 1:31
The phrase “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” can be dissected into several components for a better understanding. The first part, “He that glorieth,” suggests that all of us, as humans, have an innate tendency to seek recognition and affirmation. It’s part of our nature to want to share our accomplishments and draw attention to ourselves. However, Paul redirects this natural inclination.
By stating “let him glory in the Lord,” Paul redirects our focus from self to God. Instead of seeking glory for ourselves, we are encouraged to redirect that glory towards the Lord. This involves a paradigm shift in our thinking. It’s more than just a change in words; it’s a heart attitude that acknowledges God as the source of all good things in our lives.
Furthermore, this verse challenges us to evaluate our motivations. Are we driven by a desire to uplift ourselves or to honor God? The act of glorifying God can take many forms, such as worship, gratitude, and serving others. By shifting our focus to glorifying God, we can find more profound fulfillment that transcends earthly achievements.
Finally, this also speaks to the community within the church. When we boast in God’s great deeds, we create a culture of humility and gratitude within our circles. Instead of lifting ourselves, we celebrate the good things God does in each other’s lives, encouraging one another in our journeys of faith.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Corinthians 1:31
There are numerous takeaways we can glean from 1 Corinthians 1:31. One of the most important lessons is the necessity of humility. As a community of believers and individuals, we can easily fall into the trap of self-congratulation. However, humility helps us recognize that everything we have and all our abilities stem from God’s goodness and grace.
This passage also teaches us the importance of directing our glory correctly. Boasting in the Lord is not merely a matter of semantics; it reflects a heart posture that acknowledges our dependency on Him. We should not credit ourselves when we achieve success but instead give glory to God, recognizing His role in every step we take.
Another vital lesson is the idea of unity among believers. By steering our boasting toward God, we avoid the divisions that arise from rivalries and comparisons. This encourages a community that focuses on collective growth rather than individual achievement. It becomes a source of encouragement, as we celebrate God’s various blessings without undermining one another.
Finally, understanding that our identity is rooted in Christ is essential. Our worth, value, and significance come from our relationship with Him. As we acknowledge that every good gift comes from above, we can flourish in our spiritual journeys, constantly reminding ourselves of our identity as children of God.
Final Thoughts
1 Corinthians 1:31 is a powerful reminder that our pride and glory should always point toward God. In a world that often encourages us to boast in ourselves, we are called to honor God in everything we do. By recognizing that He is the source of all we have and are, we cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude.
As we meditate on this verse, let’s remind ourselves of how God has worked in our lives and celebrate His blessings. Let’s choose to boast about our experiences of faith, His goodness, and the blessings we see around us. By doing so, we will not only grow deeper in our faith, but we will inspire others in their journeys as well.
If you enjoyed exploring this verse, you might find interest in other topics related to it. Consider checking out Acts 14:24 or Joshua 10:19 for more insights into God’s work in our lives.