The only thing worth boasting about is knowing the LORD.
“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.”Jeremiah 9:23-24 (KJV)
What does “Glory in this” mean in Jeremiah 9:23-24?
God names three things people take pride in: wisdom, strength, and wealth. He sets them aside and points to knowing Him as the one thing worth glorying in.
Going deeper
God speaks plainly through Jeremiah: 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. These are the things people usually trust and admire. Then comes the alternative: let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me. Knowing God is worth more than any achievement. And the God we know is one who delights in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.
This puts our pride and our ambitions in perspective. We may be proud of our intelligence, our work, or our savings, and none of them is bad in itself. But they cannot be the center. Ask yourself what you tend to boast in, quietly or openly. Then turn your attention to knowing God: His kindness, His justice, His faithfulness. Spend some time this week learning something new about Him, and let that be the thing you treasure most.
Reflect
What do you tend to take pride in, and how could you turn your attention to knowing God instead?
Pray
Lord, I want to glory in knowing You. Take away my pride in lesser things, and let me delight in Your lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. In Jesus' name, amen.
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