Jeremiah 9:23-24

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): “23 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, 24 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.”

From the very beginning, humanity has chased after wisdom, power, and wealth—thinking those things could fill the deepest longings of the soul. But they never do. They never can. Only one thing brings true satisfaction: knowing and understanding God.

God, through Jeremiah, confronts this age-old issue head-on. He doesn’t say that glorying or boasting is the problem—it’s what we boast in that’s the issue. God wired us to glory in something, but the wisdom of man is hollow. The power of man is short-lived. The riches of this world vanish like smoke. But the knowledge of God—the kind that comes from walking with Him, loving Him, knowing His character—that’s the only boast worth making. And get this: God delights when we boast in Him!

So what are you glorying in today? Is it your job? Your money? Your talents or influence? All of that is temporary. It won’t follow you into eternity. The only thing that will is your relationship with the living God. So let that be your pursuit. Know Him. Understand His heart. Let the truth of who He is wash the world’s grip off of you. You won’t regret it. In fact, you’ll be more blessed than you could imagine. Amen?

Father, thank You for reminding us where true joy and fulfillment are found. It’s not in status, success, or stuff—it’s in You. As we seek to know You more deeply, reveal Yourself to us. Lead us into the kind of life that boasts only in who You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.