Proverbs 25:1-14

“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely” (v14). A mature person has both integrity in himself (he truly is what he presents himself to be) and sensitivity toward others. The proverbs warn us about bragging (v6) and the disasters that follow fickle, unreliable friends (v19). In contrast, the person of integrity and humility follows through on promises and encourages others by “a word spoken in right circumstances” (v11).

Self-centeredness leads to false pride and insensitivity to those around us. If we are confident of our identity in Christ, we are free to love others.