The verse Jeremiah 9:23 states “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.” This verse teaches an important lesson – that we should not put our trust or find our identity in human wisdom, strength, or wealth. Instead, we should glory only in the Lord.
To understand this verse fully, we need to look at the context. Jeremiah was writing at a time when Judah was facing judgment from God because of their idolatry and lack of faithfulness. They had turned away from the Lord and were trusting in their own wisdom and resources instead of relying on God. Jeremiah warns them that this is foolishness. True wisdom, strength, and riches can only come from knowing and following the Lord.
So what does it mean to “not let the wise man glory in his wisdom”? Firstly, it’s a warning against pride and arrogance. When we rely on our own wisdom and abilities, we can easily become proud, thinking we have all the answers. We start to glory in our own supposed wisdom rather than humbly seeking God’s wisdom. This leads us to make foolish decisions and mistakes. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, we should “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Secondly, Jeremiah is warning against misplaced trust. Human wisdom always has its limits. Someone who glories too much in their own wisdom will be constantly disappointed. They will fail to see their need for God’s wisdom and direction. True and lasting wisdom comes from revering the Lord, not relying on our own capabilities (Prov 9:10). Our trust needs to be in God, not ourselves.
Thirdly, it’s a warning against idolatry. Whenever we start to overly glory in something, we risk turning it into an idol. We end up worshipping human wisdom or success rather than worshipping God. This breaks the first commandment that we should have no other gods before the Lord (Exodus 20:3). Our heart’s devotion and praise should be directed to God alone.
This verse also applies to those who glory in power, riches, status, or achievements rather than in the Lord. These can also become sources of arrogant pride and false trust if our identity is built on them. God is the ultimate source of wisdom, might, and provision – not our possessions or capabilities.
Some practical applications of this verse include:
- Consider if there are areas of your life where you are trusting in your own wisdom rather than seeking God wholeheartedly. Repent from pride and rely on him.
- Remember that human wisdom always has limits. Don’t rely on your own capabilities – trust in the all-knowing God.
- Stay humble. Don’t think you have all the answers. Be willing to learn.
- Make sure God remains first in your life. Don’t let other pursuits become idols.
- Boast in what Christ has accomplished, not your achievements.
- Use wisdom, power and resources to serve others, not boost your ego.
- Thank God for giving you abilities, possessions and knowledge.
In summary, as this verse from Jeremiah highlights, true, lasting wisdom is found in revering God, not relying on our capabilities. Human wisdom, power, and riches should not be a source of arrogant pride but rather humility, gratitude, and a desire to serve others. Our identity and trust must remain firmly rooted in the Lord, not earthly achievements or possessions. As believers, we can take hold of this wisdom from Jeremiah by turning from pride and seeking after God with humble hearts.
Let us not glory in anything except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Gal 6:14). All that we know, achieve and possess comes from His grace alone. To Him belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Diligence and moral effort are required for human achievement in areas such as wisdom, wealth, or might. But it is God Almighty who ultimately grants wisdom, provides riches, and gives strength. We should take pride in nothing except what God Himself has given us and enabled us to do.
(1 Corinthians 1:30-31 ESV) And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
The greatest wisdom comes in the gospel, something no human could ever conceive on their own. The gospel reveals that Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, satisfying the justice and holiness of God, so that all who trust in Christ can be reconciled to the Father. This gracious plan devised from before the foundation of the world confounds all human wisdom.
(1 Corinthians 1:20-25 ESV) Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
God chose the undeserving, foolish, weak, and lowly of this world to receive salvation and become heirs of His kingdom. He has humbled the prideful and opposed the arrogant who trust in themselves. The wisdom of God as revealed in Christ turns worldly wisdom upside down.
(James 3:13-18 ESV) Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
True wisdom seeks to live at peace with others, is reasonable, impartial, sincere, and promotes righteousness. Arrogance, selfish ambition, and boasting are not godly wisdom.
God alone sees and knows all things perfectly. His wisdom and knowledge are unsearchable. We as finite human beings never have perfect or complete wisdom. But God offers His wisdom freely to all who seek Him in genuine humility and faith.
(Proverbs 2:6-7 ESV) For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
(James 1:5 ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
So in humility, we should recognize the limits of human wisdom and ask God for the wisdom we need to live righteous lives. We should not boast as if we have perfect wisdom, but instead rely on the Lord.
God’s wisdom leads us to salvation in Jesus Christ. It equips us for righteous living through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And ultimately, God’s wisdom will culminate in the eternal state when we see Him face to face and understand the full extent of His glorious plan.
(1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV) For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
So in summary, Jeremiah 9:23 warns us not to arrogantly boast in human wisdom but instead to humbly rely on God’s wisdom. All truth and understanding find their source in Him. Wise men and women recognize the limits of their finite perspective. They seek the Lord rather than glorying in their own capabilities. And they center their identity and trust in Christ alone, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
Let us acknowledge along with Paul that “If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God” (1 Corinthians 8:2-3 ESV). May we not boast in any supposed wisdom of our own but grow in the true wisdom that comes from revering Christ as Lord.