Day 87: Boasting and Friendship

Day 87: Boasting and Friendship

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 27:1–10

Key Verse: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” — Proverbs 27:6 (ESV)

Reflection

Two themes weave through this portion of Proverbs: pride and friendship. One pushes others away; the other pulls them in. Solomon wants us to know that true leadership begins with humility and is sustained by godly relationships.

Boasting reveals insecurity (vv. 1–2).

We’re told not to brag about tomorrow—we don’t know what tomorrow holds, and pretending we do is foolish. The same goes for self-promotion: “Let another praise you…” In leadership, boasting about what you’re going to do or how great you are isn’t strength—it’s immaturity wrapped in pride. A wise leader lets the fruit of their life speak louder than their lips.

Pride leads to conflict (vv. 3–4).

Jealousy, wrath, and unchecked anger are heavy burdens. Solomon says envy is worse than wrath—a reminder that the inner sins of the heart can destroy more than visible outbursts. A secure, wise leader isn’t driven by comparison or competition.

True friends tell the truth (vv. 5–6).

Faithful wounds. That’s a phrase we don’t hear often, but it’s gold for leaders. Real friends—and real teammates—will say the hard thing in love. They aren’t trying to hurt you, but help you. On the other hand, the enemy flatters you to your face while hiding a knife behind their back. Wise leaders seek relationships where truth is welcomed, not avoided.

Constant encouragement is like nourishment (v. 9).

Good counsel refreshes the soul. A friend who speaks wisdom into your life is more valuable than wealth or talent. Leadership can be lonely, but it shouldn’t be isolated. We all need truth-tellers and encouragers in our circle.

Stick with faithful friends (v. 10).

“Do not forsake your friend.” That includes not ditching old friends for new ones just because it’s convenient or strategic. True friendship—and effective leadership—is built on loyalty, consistency, and presence.

This passage reminds us that great leaders are humble enough not to boast, secure enough to hear correction, and wise enough to cultivate faithful friendships.

Word Study: Boast (הָלַל, halal)

The Hebrew word halal means “to shine, to praise, or to boast.” In negative contexts like this one, it refers to drawing attention to oneself with empty confidence.

For leaders, halal is a caution: Let your life glorify God—not yourself. Let your work speak for you, not your ego.

Challenge

Reflect on your approach to both praise and correction.

1. Are you boasting about what you plan to do, or are you quietly doing it with excellence?

2. Are you surrounding yourself with friends who challenge you—or flatter you?

Write down one way you can pursue humble leadership and welcome honest friendship this week.

Leadership in Action

Consider how humility and relationships shape your leadership.

• Are you creating space for accountability and wisdom in your inner circle?

• Are you valuing long-term friendships over surface-level alliances?

This week, reach out to one person who has spoken truth into your life faithfully. Thank them. And be that kind of friend to someone else.

Prayer

Father, guard me from pride and boasting. Let my life speak louder than my words, and my leadership reflect Your wisdom, not my ego. Surround me with faithful friends who speak truth in love, and give me the humility to listen. Help me to be a trustworthy friend and a gracious leader. In Jesus’ name, amen.