“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:”
My Notes
What Does Jeremiah 9:23 Mean?
God through Jeremiah cuts against three sources of human boasting: wisdom, might, and riches. The wise should not glory in wisdom. The mighty should not glory in strength. The rich should not glory in wealth. All three are insufficient grounds for boasting.
The alternative (v.24): let him that glorieth glory in this — that he understandeth and knoweth me. The only legitimate boast is knowing God. Not knowing about God. Knowing God — personally, relationally, experientially.
Paul quotes this verse in 1 Corinthians 1:31 and 2 Corinthians 10:17, applying it to the church. The principle transcends the original context: the only thing worth boasting about is your relationship with God.
The three things prohibited as boasts — wisdom, strength, riches — are exactly what the world values most. God says: none of those qualify. The only credential that matters is knowing me.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Which of the three — wisdom, strength, or riches — are you most tempted to boast in?
- 2.What does 'knowing God' as the only legitimate boast mean for your sense of identity?
- 3.How does this verse level the playing field between people the world values differently?
- 4.What would change if your primary sense of worth came from knowing God rather than your accomplishments?
Devotional
Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom. You are smart? Good. Do not boast in it. Let not the mighty man glory in his might. You are strong? Fine. Do not boast in it. Let not the rich man glory in his riches. You have wealth? Noted. Do not boast in it.
God eliminates every source of human boasting in a single verse. The three things the world values most — intelligence, power, and money — are declared insufficient grounds for pride.
Let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me. The only legitimate boast: knowing God. Not your résumé, not your portfolio, not your bench press. Knowing the creator of the universe personally.
That levels every playing field. The scholar and the dropout are equal if both know God. The strong and the weak are equal. The rich and the poor. The only distinction that matters is the one that cannot be earned through human effort: relationship with God.
What are you boasting in? What gives you your sense of worth, your confidence, your identity? If it is wisdom, might, or riches — God says: find a better foundation. Know me. That is the only glory that holds.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,.... Not in his natural wisdom, or knowledge of natural…
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The prophet had been endeavouring to possess this people with a holy fear of God and his judgments, to convince them…
See summary introducing the section. Piety alone is the source of true glory. Circumcision, as the mere external mark of…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture