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Verse

1 Corinthians 1:31

ESV so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
NIV Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."
NASB so that, just as it is written: 'LET THE ONE WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE Lord.'
CSB in order that, as it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
NLT Therefore, as the Scriptures say, 'If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.'
KJV That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
NKJV that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

What does 1 Corinthians 1:31 mean?

Paul quotes from Jeremiah 9:23–24 that all boasting should be in the Lord only and not in ourselves and our wisdom and our strength. In the previous verse, Paul showed that everything that makes Christians "something" before God comes to us only in and through and because of what Christ has done for us. Our human wisdom and strength gains for us nothing of any lasting value. Knowledge is good and commendable (2 Timothy 2:15), but it cannot save us (James 2:19).

In the Lord, though, we have everything that matters, and we have it forever. Paul encourages us to boast about our high standing in God's eyes because of what Christ has done. He encourages us to boast about God's wisdom and strength and our place with Him because of His grace.

He has shown that those who have rejected faith in Christ because it seems foolish and weak will find humility on the day they stand before God. Nobody will boast of their own position or accomplishments or wealth before Him (1 Corinthians 1:29).
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