Jeremiah 9:23-24 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:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
In one verse, God covers three main quests of man: wisdom, strength, and riches. After more than 2500 years, man is still striving to reach for these three commodities. These are the big three that bring fame and honor.
However, in the context of this chapter, we see that these three accomplishments do not keep a man from divine judgment unless they are founded in a knowledge of God as the Lord of all. God is not denouncing wisdom, strength and riches. These are admirable attributes and worthwhile accomplishments. A man may be recognized and highly regarded by his achievements in these three areas, but what makes a man truly shine with eternal glory is his knowledge and understanding of God.
God may give a man great wisdom, strength, or riches, but what God delights in is lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness. Wisdom without kindness in its application can become harsh dictatorship. Strength without laws can become domineering abuse. Riches without virtue easily becomes an avenue to indulge in fleshly lusts. While these may seem to be extreme outcomes, they are actually extremely realistic. Admittedly, there are those who do not claim to know God and manage to handle their wisdom, strength and riches with honor and altruism. Even so, these three attainments can quickly fade with age or misuse.
Let us not glory in our own accomplishments. If we shine, let it be the shine of God's glory as we get so close to His face that we, as Moses in Exodus 34, literally shoot out with the rays of His brightness.
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
In one verse, God covers three main quests of man: wisdom, strength, and riches. After more than 2500 years, man is still striving to reach for these three commodities. These are the big three that bring fame and honor.
However, in the context of this chapter, we see that these three accomplishments do not keep a man from divine judgment unless they are founded in a knowledge of God as the Lord of all. God is not denouncing wisdom, strength and riches. These are admirable attributes and worthwhile accomplishments. A man may be recognized and highly regarded by his achievements in these three areas, but what makes a man truly shine with eternal glory is his knowledge and understanding of God.
God may give a man great wisdom, strength, or riches, but what God delights in is lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness. Wisdom without kindness in its application can become harsh dictatorship. Strength without laws can become domineering abuse. Riches without virtue easily becomes an avenue to indulge in fleshly lusts. While these may seem to be extreme outcomes, they are actually extremely realistic. Admittedly, there are those who do not claim to know God and manage to handle their wisdom, strength and riches with honor and altruism. Even so, these three attainments can quickly fade with age or misuse.
Let us not glory in our own accomplishments. If we shine, let it be the shine of God's glory as we get so close to His face that we, as Moses in Exodus 34, literally shoot out with the rays of His brightness.
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