In Romans 3:27-4:8 justification by faith is contrasted against boasting. The problem is that everyone wants to boast in themselves or to receive praise and accolades from others to have courage and confidence for the battlefield of life. This internal thirst for affirmation isn't necessarily bad. What's bad are all of the godless ways we go about trying to satisfy this internal thirst. If justification by faith excludes human boasting, then what can we boast in? The answer is Jesus. Self-centered boasting or the praise of others can't be compared to the roaring approval of God given to all who are united to God through faith in Jesus.