In Jeremiah 9:23-24, Jeremiah relays a message from God that applies very well today.
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.”
The word “glory” means simply “to boast.” Notice there are three things we are told not to boast in and then are told what we are to boast in.
What Not To Glory In, vs. 23. God issues a solemn warning to guide men away from 3 human ambitions that claim to be sources of success: human wisdom, might, and riches.
Do not glory in Wisdom: application of knowledge. What is our wisdom compared to God’s? (1 Corinthians 1:20). Wisdom can be a good thing. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction., Proverbs 1:7. However, wisdom is wrong when we boast in it.
Do not glory in Might: physical strength, i.e. valor, bravery, mighty deeds. It is not wrong to be powerful. David and Abraham were mighty men. Might becomes wrong when we boast in it. Nebuchadnezzar was a man who boasted in his might (Daniel 4:30); and he was humbled by the God of heaven (Daniel 4:31f).
Do not glory in Riches: material wealth. It is not wrong to be wealthy. Job was wealthy, David was wealthy. Wealth is wrong when we boast in it (Luke 12:16-21) and we are not generous in our giving to the Lord (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Wisdom, might, and wealth are not inherently evil, however, when men boast and glory in them they lead to spiritual death rather than success. We must remember “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall”, Proverbs 16:18.
Things To Glory In, vs. 24. This verse moves from man’s folly to how the wise man may gain God’s favor.
Understanding God. This means to comprehend, to gain insight into. This takes a great deal of work (2 Timothy 2:15), however, we can understand God’s word. (John 8:32).
Knowing God. We can know that we know God (1 John 2:3-5). We know that we know him if we keep his commandments. By keeping his commandments, we can have fellowship with him (1 John 1:7). The things we are to know, God describes Himself:
He exercises loving kindness. Christ shows all the qualities of the Father. Cf. Colossians 2:9; John 14:8-9.
He exercises judgment. What a comfort this is to us. The wicked will not go unpunished and the righteous will not go unrewarded. Cf. Psalm 62:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10.
He exercises righteousness. Righteousness – rectitude, just, upright. This is the principle that underlies God’s rule over His people and His judgments against the wicked. God is righteous and has given man the Gospel, the means by which God makes man righteous. (Romans 1:16-17).
God is asking Judah: “What is really important?” Not wisdom, Not riches, Not might. What is truly important is knowing God. Having a right relationship with God. The Lord says, “for in these things I delight.” Vs. 24.
By example God is asking you (Romans 15:4) “What is really important?” Not wisdom, Not riches, Not might. What is truly important is knowing God. Having a right relationship with God. God had given Judah His message that they might be in a right relationship with Him.
God has given us the Gospel, His message, by which we can have a right relationship with Him. “For in these things I delight, saith the Lord.”
–Jerry D. Sturgill
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