Boasting and Self-Pity

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

I was recently rereading the John Piper book, “The Dangerous Duty of Delight” when I came across this paragraph and it hit me, POW! Let me share it with you.

“The name and depth of human pride are illuminated by comparing boasting to self-pity. Both are manifestations of pride. Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, ‘I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much.’ Self-pity says, ‘I deserve admiration because I have suffered so much.’ Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing.”

As you give serious consideration to your own heart and life, do you see yourself tipping the scales in either direction or both? I know I have sinned on both ends of this continuum. This is serious food for thought today.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is a Biblical Counselor, Women’s conference and retreat speaker and author. She serves as the Director of Partner Care and Director of Women’s Ministries at America’s Keswick. She and her husband John have two married children and four grandchildren. She loves reveling in warm sunny climates and playing with her grandchildren.

John Piper, The Dangerous Duty of Delight, pg. 34.