“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

Here we see a foundational truth of Christianity: that God delights in those that know Him. And likewise, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. So when we are tempted to brag or boast about something, we are to boast in only one thing: that we understand and know the Lord.

Here are some things that we are not to be boastful about:

• Wisdom - If we have wisdom, and yet despite all our wisdom, we still do not follow after the Lord and seek Him fully, we are doubly guilty. Even Solomon, with all his wisdom, displeased the Lord when he turned away from God: “And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel” (1 Kings 11:9).

• Might – When we are strong or very capable in some physical way, God does not respect or favor us any more than another less capable person. When we increase in self-sufficiency, we decrease in our dependence upon God. “He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy” (Psalm 147:10-11).

• Riches – Just as in the above example with our physical capabilities, so too in our earthly riches we become less dependent on God. As our wealth increases, it becomes easier for us to be lifted up with pride, and it becomes more difficult for us to ask in humility, give us this day our daily bread. As Solomon has said: “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death” (Proverbs 11:4).

Our one point of boasting is in the Lord, and what He has done for us. It is nothing that we have done, but simply in knowing Christ’s work on the cross, and our blessedness of being associated with God’s riches through faith.

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” -1 Corinthians 1:27-31

• Recognizing Our Ignorance
• Does God Like You?
• Souls up for Grabs
• The Wisdom of Age
• Stop and Consider

Filed under:
Christian Devotions/Bible Study by Dean