Romans 1:30: Backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents.
Boastful derives from a word meaning “wandering” and apparently goes back to the extravagant claims made by wandering men: merchants with something to sell, quacks with claims to heal, and wanderers in general with tall tales to tell. Since there is no way of verifying or refuting what such people say, they are sometimes given to making claims that cannot be substantiated. 1
They invent ways of doing evil suggests these people are not content to go on in the established paths of evil, but are eager to strike out on new and worse ways. To this Paul adds, they disobey their parents. In a world which took very seriously the obligation to honor one’s forebears this was a grievous sin. It indicates a readiness to be false to those to whom one owes the most. It implies a lack of gratitude and a contempt for family authority. 2
Application
- Are you known more as an encourager or a backbiter?
- Do you brag more about your accomplishments or the accomplishments of others?
Prayer
Lord, help me to establish new ways to be a blessing to others, especially to my parents and family members. Help me to take the initiative.
1. Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
2. Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
