Self-confidence

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A positive assessment of one’s own abilities and resources. Scripture censures excessive self-confidence, in that such an attitude lacks humility and fails to recognise the role of God’s grace in the Christian life.

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Excessive self-confidence

In one’s own abilities

Is 28:15; Mt 26:33–35

See also Lk 22:33–34; Jdg 16:20; 1 Ki 20:11; 2 Ki 19:23–24; Job 8:13–14; Ps 49:5–6; Je 17:5; Ho 12:8

Excessive self-confidence leads to pride

Is 9:9–10; Ob 3

See also Ge 11:4; Ge 37:5; Ex 15:9; 2 Ch 26:16; Pr 16:18; Is 16:6; Eze 28:2; Ac 8:9; Ro 11:17–18; 1 Co 5:2; 1 Jn 2:16

Challenges to excessive self-confidence

Ne 6:16; 1 Co 4:7

See also Ps 49:12–13; Ps 52:7; Pr 3:5–7; Pr 11:28; Pr 28:26; Is 5:21; Is 14:13–15; Je 49:7; Je 49:4–5; Jas 4:13–16

Excessive self-confidence is a barrier to justification

Luke 18:9–14 NASB95

And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Accurate self-confidence

Of one’s natural advantages

Philippians 3:4–6 NASB95

although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

Of one’s experience of God

2 Corinthians 12:2 NASB95

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.

See also Ac 22:4–21; 2 Co 12:1; 2 Co 13:5–6; Ga 1:13–17; Ga 6:4

Of one’s calling to serve

2 Corinthians 10:8 NASB95

For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,

Of one’s service

Ac 20:19; Ro 12:3

See also Ac 20:18; Ac 20:20–21; 1 Co 9:15–18; 2 Co 1:12; Php 2:16; 1 Th 2:1–12

Of one’s own weakness

2 Corinthians 11:29–30 NASB95

Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern? If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.

Accurate self-estimates lead to justification

Luke 18:9–14 NASB95

Justified self-confidence may appear as pride

2 Corinthians 11:17–18 NASB95

What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also.

Jesus Christ’s accurate assessment of himself

Matthew 16:15–17 NASB95

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

The proper source of all confidence

Jeremiah 9:23–24 NASB95

Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.