Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 10:17

"But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." — 2 Corinthians 10:17 (ASV)

As in 1 Corinthians 1:31, Paul cites Jer 9:24. Boasting is illegitimate, whether it be of one’s own accomplishments or status or of another person’s achievements as though they were one’s own (v.16). For Christians, only boasting “in the Lord” is legitimate—i.e., boasting of what Jesus Christ has done for them (Galatians 6:14) or through them (Romans 15:18; cf. Acts 11:27), or of what they can do through him. So far from being an evidence or guarantee of divine approval, self-commendation (such as Paul’s adversaries practiced) disqualifies them. Only those who boast in the Lord and so give God his due glory enjoy the Lord’s commendation at his tribunal (cf. 5:9).