We have nothing to boast about,

neither our strength nor our abilities.

From India to Ethiopia, the Emperor Xerxes of the Medo-Persian Empire,

who ruled over 127 provinces, displayed the splendor and majesty of his powerful empire

during a lavish banquet that lasted for six months.

He invited all his officials, high-ranking nobles, military commanders of Media and Persia,

governors of the provinces, and nobles (Ref.: Esther 1:1-4).

As I meditate on this passage, I'm reminded of King Nebuchadnezzar's words:

"Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence,

 by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30).

Both these kings shared the desire to display the glory and majesty of their respective kingdoms.

In other words, they had a desire to boast.

They both wanted to show off and boast about the glory (splendor)

and majesty (grandeur) of the kingdoms they ruled.

Job 15:25 says, "for he stretches out his hand against God and bids defiance to the Almighty."

When meditating on these words together, I receive the lesson

that I must examine whether there is any pride in my heart before God.

This is because even pastors like myself, while ministering, may fall into the temptation of thinking,

"This church I have built with my own ability and strength," and subtly desiring to boast.

Similarly, Christian entrepreneurs in their businesses may think,

"My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:17)

and fall into the temptation of wanting to boast.

They trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches (Psalms 49:6).

However, the Bible speaks like this: “Remember the LORD your God,

for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Therefore, we have nothing to boast about in our own strength or abilities.

Such boasting is all in vain (James 4:16; 2 Peter 2:18).

We should not boast about people (1 Corinthians 3:21).

Instead, we should boast about our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9),

boast about God all day long (Psalms 44:8), boast about the work of God (Romans 15:17),

boast about Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:3), and declare,

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14).