Jeremiah 9:23-24 (New International Version)
23 This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
23 This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
My wife and I were discussing boasters and boasting. We went into our Bibles and discovered the above verses. We have all met boasters. They always "one up" us. If we say we took a relaxing one week cruise to the Bahamas, they will tell us emphatically that they will be leaving soon for three weeks in Aruba!
Verse 23 selects three specific boasters. First, the rich man. These boasters are kings and queens of conspicuous consumption. They show off their possessions: my house, my tenants, my house upstate, my vacation. They believe they are living in splendor and find a continuous need to announce it. Of course, it should be understood that not boasting does not mean that one is not boasting in his or her heart. There are rich people who affect modesty. Rich students I have known made it a point to drive a used or less than elegant car or to "dress down" and avoid finery. Yet, were they inwardly over-impressed with their resources? One cannot say. Only the Lord God Almighty can judge that.
Isn't it surprising though that we are not supposed to boast even of our wisdom. Wisdom seems to be virtuous. Yet, if we think about it, it makes sense. the Book of Proverbs emphasizes over and over that true wisdom comes from the Lord. He receives the credit, so to speak, for any true wisdom that we may have or communicate.
Verse 24 exhorts us to boast only in the Lord. However, what is a "boast" in the Lord? It really is praise of the Lord. This verse gratefully lifts up the kindness, justice, and righteousness of the Lord. It is He who understands and knows us. He is our Creator. He knows His creatures in ways that we in our limited and often specious human wisdom cannot know ourselves or others. He is the very essence of kindness (the Hebrew word is "chesed" - sometimes translated as loving kindness or mercy). The word is similar to the Greek agape love, although I think agape is somewhat more elevated than chesed.
I want to go out checking myself everyday. Have I been boasting? Have I directed the proper gratitude and praise to the Lord God Almighty through His Son Jesus Christ for his kindness, justice, and righteousness?
Blessings to all,
Jeffrey
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