Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Faithfulness is uncommon, and most people speak of their own goodness without proving it. True wisdom is recognising and valuing those whose actions match their words.
Biblical examples: [1] Absalom (2Sam. 15:4) – sought to win the hearts of the people while undermining his father, King David. He publicly presented himself as a righteous and caring leader: “Absalom would rise early, and stand beside the way of the gate; and when any man came to the king for judgment, Absalom would call unto him, and say, of what city art thou? And he would say, Thy matters are good and right: but he would take the people’s hearts.” Outward appearances and flattery conceal selfish ambition and deceit. [2] Jehu (2Kin. 10:16, 31) – claimed to act zealously for God by destroying the house of Ahab and eliminating idolatry. Yet his later actions revealed violence and bloodshed for personal power, not purely for righteousness. Proclaiming devotion or moral zeal does not guarantee integrity; motives matter. [3] The scribes (Matt. 6:2; 23:5) – performed religious duties publicly to gain praise from men rather than honour God. “They love the uppermost rooms at feasts, the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the marketplaces.” Public proclamation of goodness is motivated by pride and desire for recognition, not true righteousness. [4] The rich young ruler (Matt. 19:20-22) – proclaimed his goodness by claiming he had kept all the commandments since his youth. However, when Jesus called him to surrender wealth and follow Him, he went away sorrowful, revealing that his “goodness” was superficial and incomplete. Self-proclaimed goodness fails under divine testing. True righteousness requires obedience, not just verbal claims. [5] The Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14). In the parable, the Pharisee proudly enumerates his own righteousness, thanking God that he is not like others (e.g., the tax collector). His “goodness” was self-focused, arrogant, and superficial. By contrast, the tax collector humbled himself and received justification. Proclaiming one’s own goodness is often a sign of pride, while humility reveals true righteousness.
These examples illustrate that self-proclaimed goodness is common, but often deceitful, incomplete, or prideful. True goodness is demonstrated in obedience, humility, and faithfulness, not just in words or outward appearance.
Observe actions and motives, not self-praise. Be cautious of those who boast of their moral superiority. Seek to cultivate true humility and integrity, letting actions demonstrate righteousness.
Living the Word 