Romans 4:2

2. Not before God Says old Bishop Jackson: “He [Abraham] might boldly contest (as Job did, and every godly man yet safety may) with others for integrity of life and plenty of works, in which he might justly rejoice or glory; yet with men, not with God.” Humanitarians and secular reformers largely boast of their own high moral standard and inflexible conscientiousness. They plume themselves (often very factitiously) even over the Christian Church, and rebuke the religious professors for their slowness to engage in moral enterprises for the removal of abuses and the advancement of the age. Christians should accept such rebukes as far as just, and arouse to nobler and holier zeal in good works. But let not the merely secular humanitarian fancy that his good works will recommend him to God’s favour. When the Most Holy walks into his heart with his lighted candle to make search, wickedness enough will be there found, even in his most righteous moments and his most conscientious performances, to damn his soul a thousand times forever. He has whereof to glory before men, but not before God! In the earnestness of his soul he should cry, Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord, for in thy sight shall no flesh be justified! He would do well to bow down with the humblest Christian whom he, perhaps justly, rebukes, while both smite upon their hearts and pray, like the Publican, God be merciful to me the sinner!

Many commentators suppose a very harsh ellipsis here; but not any man has whereof to glory before God. Paul assumes this universal principle, but he asserts it only of Abraham.