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, but let him who boasts, boast about this: that he understands and knows [M]e, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 9: 23, 24, NIV.
Gracious God, how sweet are the moments spent in Your presence! How awe-inspiring is the experience of getting to know You! As Peter exclaimed: “It is good for us to be here.” So please teach us dear LORD, how to love You more, and serve You better! In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen!
We live in a rather “boastful” society. Therefore, it is important that we learn to distinguish between taking healthy pride in the things that God has blessed us with; and being boastful. The person who boasts, is usually boasting about what he or she has accomplished! How they did what they did, and what it cost them. Boasting has its roots in pride. There is really only one safe way of boasting. The psalmist says, “My soul will boast in the LORD …” (Psalm 34: 2, Emphasis provided).
God knows human nature so well, that He warns against these areas where human beings are prone to boast. “Wisdom,”among other things, could represent education. I am a very strong supporter of education. What makes me sad, is to see what we allow the acquisition of education to do to us. We begin to evaluate ourselves based on the letters behind our name! When we do this, we are really devaluing ourselves. We are worth much more than a string of letters. “Strength.” In the days of Israel, a strong man was looked up to. Several chapters in the Old Testament are dedicated to men of strength, who destroyed the foes of the LORD. In our day, it could also stand for “Power.” The “power struggle” is seen in many levels of government and society; even in the Church! Even in our homes, power struggles exist! “Riches,” a couple of months ago we shared some thoughts on the depths to which “the love of money,” can take us.
Now let us take a look at the aspects of God’s character that He emphasizes; and which He encourages us to get to know about Him; and to boast about. Of great importance to God; and of even greater value to us, is that we know and understand God! “I am the LORD who [exercise] “Kindness,” or, “Steadfast love” (NRSV). This is in direct contrast to our boasting in wisdom. Remember a few weeks ago I quoted, “People do not care how much we know, until they know how much we care.” So while we are boasting about how much we know, God is trying to impress upon us, How much He cares! “Justice.” Another contrast! The ungodly use their strength, or power, to impose their agenda. God exercises justice. He respects our choices! “Righteousness,” in the place of riches. “The love of [riches] is the root of all evil,” but all of God’s works are manifested in right doing!
After comparing the things, we human beings boast about, with the virtues, God is asking us to consider in their place; it is not difficult to understand why God is asking us to change our reasons for boasting. God created us, and desires to re-create us, in His image. He knows what will facilitate the job! When we understand and know God, we too, will begin to “delight” in these virtues!