Creator, Father, King #138

Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—a stranger, not your own lips.

HE IS SIMPLY CALLED “The Greatest.” And given the chance, he would’ve happily—and excessively—agreed with that title.

We are speaking, of course, about Muhammad Ali, who is generally considered the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. Ali finished his remarkable career with a 56–5 record, including thirty-seven knockouts and three world heavyweight championships between 1960 and 1981.

Ali was not only the greatest in the ring; he was also the greatest at declaring himself to be “The Greatest.” Among his nicknames was “The Louisville Lip,” acquired for his constant, colorful bragging.

Here are some of his most memorable boasts:

• “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee; his hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see.”
• “If you even dream of beating me, you’d better wake up and apologize.”
• “I’ve wrestled with alligators. I’ve tussled with a whale. I done handcuffed lightning. And throw thunder in jail.”
• “I am the astronaut of boxing. Joe Louis and Dempsey were just jet pilots. I’m in a world of my own.”
• “It’s hard to be humble when you’re as great as I am.”

When it came to self-praise, Ali was a champ indeed!

What’s It Mean?

Today’s proverb is straightforward: any praise we receive should come from others, not our own lips. This isn’t easy! Our human desire is to draw attention to our talents. Human praise feels good, and we often seek it by talking about ourselves.

But this goes against God’s will for us, and it has dire consequences since it exposes sinful pride in our hearts. Proverbs 16:18 tells us, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.”

As for all the great things you’ve done, remember this: everything you have and do is a gift from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). Also recall Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:12: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

But if you must brag about something, you have an outlet! Jeremiah 9:24 says, “Those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.”

So go ahead and boast away! But always boast about God and what he has done for you.

Now What?

List ten things God has done for you recently and prayerfully boast in them, thanking him.

Did You Know?

Muhammad Ali was exiled from boxing during his prime (1967–70) for refusing to serve in the Vietnam War.