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, 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." Jeremiah 9:23-24
Do I really need to comment anymore on this passage? It is pretty direct. It lists the main areas of my struggle: taking pride in my own wisdom, in my own strength, or in my own resources. All three of these are insignificant in comparison to an Almighty God Who is Creator and Ruler over all. My boast cannot be in any of those three personal areas of pride.
Instead, my personal goals and sense of self-worth are found not in knowing anything about myself, but in knowing all about God. To know and understand God is to know three things about Him that counteract the three things I tend to take pride in. God is steadfast in His love when I am not. God is just where my wisdom and moral strength fail. God is righteous were I am not. If I want to know God, I must delight in his love, justice, and righteousness.
Lord, May I not boast in my wisdom, or my strength, or my resources and livelihood. Instead, I simply need to know You in Your faithful love, Your perfect justice, and Your holy and pure righteousness. My I delight in what You delight so that I may delight in You. Amen.
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, 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." Jeremiah 9:23-24
Do I really need to comment anymore on this passage? It is pretty direct. It lists the main areas of my struggle: taking pride in my own wisdom, in my own strength, or in my own resources. All three of these are insignificant in comparison to an Almighty God Who is Creator and Ruler over all. My boast cannot be in any of those three personal areas of pride.
Instead, my personal goals and sense of self-worth are found not in knowing anything about myself, but in knowing all about God. To know and understand God is to know three things about Him that counteract the three things I tend to take pride in. God is steadfast in His love when I am not. God is just where my wisdom and moral strength fail. God is righteous were I am not. If I want to know God, I must delight in his love, justice, and righteousness.
Lord, May I not boast in my wisdom, or my strength, or my resources and livelihood. Instead, I simply need to know You in Your faithful love, Your perfect justice, and Your holy and pure righteousness. My I delight in what You delight so that I may delight in You. Amen.
