Jeremiah 9

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (Jeremiah 9:23–24, ESV)

The people of Jeremiah’s day had lost all ground for boasting. Their disloyalty to the LORD had brought them to the brink of disaster. Rather than acknowledging their sin, mourning over it, and pleading for God’s mercy, they stubbornly followed their own hearts and went after their idols. They were God’s covenant people, yet their hearts were uncircumcised. Therefore, the destruction of Jerusalem was imminent.

Nevertheless, God called out to the remnant of people who would listen. People are so apt to boast in the things they pursue. They go after what they want with a vengeance, and when they get it, they brag about it. This is the pride of life. But God knows that in the end, all such boasting is mere vanity. So He gave them a remedy.

-The wise man should no longer boast in his wisdom.

-The mighty man should no longer boast in his strength.

-The rich man should no longer boast in his riches.

Instead, all people should boast that they understand and know the LORD. How pale is our wisdom, strength and riches compared with the steadfast love, justice and righteousness of the LORD? The more we meditate on his attributes, the more we know Him, and the more we know Him, the more we will love Him.

What the world needs today are people who are deeply in love with Jesus and who are unashamed to tell others!