God loves it when man boasts in God, and God hates it when man boasts in man. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17). “Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). “The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up” (Isaiah 2:11–12).
There are two reasons (at least) why God hates for man to boast in man. One is that boasting in man deflects man’s attention from the Fountain of his joy and so ruins his life. It tricks man into replacing Magnificence with a mirror. Man was not made to admire man. He was made to admire God. The joy of admiration is prostituted and ruined when man tries to find galaxy-size Glory in the glow of his own reflection. God does not like the human damage done by boasting in man.
John Piper (2004). Life as a vapor: 31 meditations for your faith (52–53). Sisters, Or.: Multnomah Publishers.
