Boast not... 

     Joe Frazier (1944-2011), known as Smokin' Joe, was a heavyweight boxer whose professional career spanned from 1965-1981. One of his most exciting bouts took place on March 8, 1971 with Cassius Clay, a.k.a. Muhammad Ali (1942-2016). It was billed as "The Fight of the Century." Clay boasted often about his ability to defeat his opponent and win the fight. Frazier's response was, "Let him do the talking. All I have to do is punch." And punch he did. Late in the 11th round, Smokin' Joe let loose a burst of left hooks and right jabs that sent Clay to the ropes. Frazier's crushing assault continued into the 15th round until Clay, who had boasted he could "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee," took a hook and fell like a tree -- losing the fight.
     All of Cassius Clay's boasting did not win him the fight and boasting will not make us a winner either. Therefore let us be careful not to "boast… for (we) know not what a day may bring forth" (Pro 27:1b). Jesus said "whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Mt 23:12).