January 11, 2024
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. Proverbs 25:14
In this passage we have a man boasting about a gift he does not possess. It’s a false boast. He exalts himself by pretending to know something he is ignorant of, to have something not in his possession, or to be someone he is not.
Here are four reasons why someone might do this. First, for attention, so that others might look upon them and rave over their claims. Second, due to envy, since they want the gifts God has blessed others with. Third, because of pride, so they will not be looked down upon or thought poorly of. Fourth, out of fear, they don’t want to be laughed at or scorned for not having what they believe to be important. The problem is that their false claim cannot be backed up.
These pretenders are like clouds without rain. There is much activity and talk, but no results. When the wind drives the dark clouds in you expect rain to follow. If you’re a farmer, or gardener, you might rejoice for these clouds that promise to soak your dry ground. Without rain, these clouds, and the winds that brought them in, are meaningless. The parched ground remains dry and the clouds move on while those hoping for water are left with disappointment.
The false boaster is similar to empty clouds. Much is promised but nothing happens. They are eventually exposed as a pretender, only to be discouraged and a disappointment to others.
Three thoughts you can take from this passage. First, be yourself. God has made you who you are for a reason, so don’t try to be someone else. Second, be grateful for the gifts you have been given and use them for God’s glory. Third, seek God’s approval and not the acceptance of others. When you look to God as you live for Him you can avoid being a cloud without rain.
Thanks for reading…
Pastor Ramirez