Human accomplishments are rendered insignificant compared to the surpassing worth of truly knowing and delighting in the LORD.
In Jeremiah 9:23, Jeremiah conveys a divine warning that human pride can be misplaced: Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches" (v. 23). The prophet Jeremiah ministered in Judah between around 627 BC and 586 BC during a time of great turmoil, and in this verse, he highlights that relying on one’s own intelligence, power, or wealth is ultimately misguided. This caution serves as a timeless reminder that earthly accomplishments do not reflect true value.
Man's wisdom has limits, especially when it neglects the Creator’s higher perspective. Jeremiah directs his audience to understand that superior achievements in knowledge, might, or financial gains can blind people to their dependence on God. By directing attention away from the fleeting nature of personal successes, the verse calls believers to see past temporary accolades and remember that the LORD alone is the source of ultimate wisdom (James 1:5).
When worldly blessings become objects of pride, they underestimate the giver of those blessings. Jeremiah 9:23 challenges God’s people to examine their hearts, recognizing that their sense of worth should not be anchored in self—glorification. Instead, the call is to remain humble, looking beyond human affirmation and cherishing a deeper relationship with the One who graciously provides every good thing (Philippians 4:19).
Jeremiah 9:24 builds on the previous verse by presenting a positive alternative to empty pride: "But let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things, declares the LORD" (v. 24) Rather than focusing on personal greatness, the true object of boasting should be a genuine knowledge of God. This knowledge is not merely an intellectual awareness; it is an intimate, experiential understanding of His character.
Within God’s nature lies lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness (v. 24). Differing from volatile human virtue, His attributes are steadfast and life—giving. Jeremiah emphasizes that those who seek a meaningful connection with God will discover a love that transcends human imperfection. By immersing themselves in the LORD’s justice and moral uprightness, they align their personal values with the unwavering goodness of divine principles (1 John 1:5).
Ultimately, pleasing God involves reflecting His heart toward others by acting with mercy and fairness, as He is the source of all that is just and right. Jeremiah 9:24 also resonates with later teachings, such as when the Apostle Paul encourages believers to boast only in the LORD (1 Corinthians 1:31). Genuine faith is proven in humble recognition of divine sovereignty and continual gratitude for His revealed nature.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
23 Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;
24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.
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Jeremiah 9:23-24 meaning
In Jeremiah 9:23, Jeremiah conveys a divine warning that human pride can be misplaced: Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches" (v. 23). The prophet Jeremiah ministered in Judah between around 627 BC and 586 BC during a time of great turmoil, and in this verse, he highlights that relying on one’s own intelligence, power, or wealth is ultimately misguided. This caution serves as a timeless reminder that earthly accomplishments do not reflect true value.
Man's wisdom has limits, especially when it neglects the Creator’s higher perspective. Jeremiah directs his audience to understand that superior achievements in knowledge, might, or financial gains can blind people to their dependence on God. By directing attention away from the fleeting nature of personal successes, the verse calls believers to see past temporary accolades and remember that the LORD alone is the source of ultimate wisdom (James 1:5).
When worldly blessings become objects of pride, they underestimate the giver of those blessings. Jeremiah 9:23 challenges God’s people to examine their hearts, recognizing that their sense of worth should not be anchored in self—glorification. Instead, the call is to remain humble, looking beyond human affirmation and cherishing a deeper relationship with the One who graciously provides every good thing (Philippians 4:19).
Jeremiah 9:24 builds on the previous verse by presenting a positive alternative to empty pride: "But let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things, declares the LORD" (v. 24) Rather than focusing on personal greatness, the true object of boasting should be a genuine knowledge of God. This knowledge is not merely an intellectual awareness; it is an intimate, experiential understanding of His character.
Within God’s nature lies lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness (v. 24). Differing from volatile human virtue, His attributes are steadfast and life—giving. Jeremiah emphasizes that those who seek a meaningful connection with God will discover a love that transcends human imperfection. By immersing themselves in the LORD’s justice and moral uprightness, they align their personal values with the unwavering goodness of divine principles (1 John 1:5).
Ultimately, pleasing God involves reflecting His heart toward others by acting with mercy and fairness, as He is the source of all that is just and right. Jeremiah 9:24 also resonates with later teachings, such as when the Apostle Paul encourages believers to boast only in the LORD (1 Corinthians 1:31). Genuine faith is proven in humble recognition of divine sovereignty and continual gratitude for His revealed nature.