JEREMIAH 9:23–24 “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 wealth. 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”.
WHAT IS THIS VERSE ABOUT? Here God speaks about what a person builds their value and confidence on. Typically, a person relies on intelligence, strength, resources and networking, money. And this is exactly what begins to determine who they consider themselves. But God shows that none of this is primary or important. WHAT DOES GOD WANT TO SAY THROUGH THIS VERSE? 1. "DO NOT BOAST..." — DO NOT BUILD YOUR WORTH ON THIS. Intelligence, strength, money, and influence are not evil in themselves. But the problem is when a person makes them their foundation or meaning — it turns into a destructive form of pride, which ultimately leads to death. 2. MAN IS ALWAYS “PROUD” OF SOMETHING. Every person relies on something: something that gives them a sense of significance and confidence. God says: if it is not Him, this support will be unstable and will ultimately crumble. 3. “KNOWING ME” IS THE MAIN THING. The key idea is not “knowing about God”, but knowing Him personally. This is about relationships in which a person understands who God is and how He acts. 4. WHAT KIND OF GOD IS HE? God reveals Himself: — practicing mercy (love and compassion), — judgment (truth and justice), — truth (no compromise with lies). This is not an abstract God, but the One Who really acts in life. 5. “THESE THINGS I DELIGHT”. God speaks directly: the most important thing is the relationship with Him, not a person's achievements. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Modern people build themselves through success, career advancement, networking, influence, money, power... But even having all this, one can feel emptiness and instability inside. This verse shows: true support is found not in external and temporary things, but in God. HOW TO USE IT TODAY 1. Ask yourself: what is my value based on? 2. Notice what you are “proud of” and what you rely on. 3. Understand that this cannot be the foundation and meaning of life. 4. Begin to seek a relationship with God, not just achievements and career advancement. CONCLUSION A person's true value is not in what they have, but in whether they know God and have a personal relationship with Him. FINAL THOUGHT You can have much and still not have what matters most. But if a person knows God, they have something that will not be destroyed. PRAYER Lord, help me not build my life on what is temporary. Teach me to seek You and truly know You. Become my support and the foundation of my life. Help me never be arrogant or boast about anything perishable. Amen.