What's the difference between saying.

"I am great and have achieved much."

and

"Thanks to God's gifts, I have achieved much and have become great."

There is actually quite a difference.

A person saying the latter will be inclined to go easy on his fellow-men, knowing that not everyone is given the same gifts and graces.

Whereas a "self-made man" or someone who believes he achieved everything by his own sweat will be harsh on his fellow-men.

That is how you can tell the difference between a proud man and a humble man. They both could have equal material achievements. But the humble man gives all glory to God.

The litmus test: How he treats his fellow man. Does he have compassion, or not?

When I read the title, I thought to myself: I believe Matthew is referring here to a recently banned poster. So I clicked and read the post. That confirmed me in my opinion. Yes bragging is terribly irksome, but more than that is a sign of the deadly vice of pride.

Of course you're entitled to your opinion.

You sound as if you have proof that I was "referring here to a recently banned poster". Please note I didn't mention anyone's name in my post (above). I didn't even mention any "giveaways" like geographic location, family size, etc.

I'm referring to everyone it applies to -- nothing less, and nothing more.