Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises loving kindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
When I was in college I served on staff at the University of Georgia Wesley Foundation, a Methodist campus ministry. I am so thankful for my two years on staff with UGA Wesley because during this time the Lord used me to speak words of truth and life into my fellow interns and students at UGA. On many occasions when I would be praying for someone I sensed the Lord was putting something on my heart that was specific to the person I was praying for. What a blessing it was to share with the person and see their response. Often they were excited, energized, or encouraged. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted to take credit for the words I shared.
How easy it is for us to fall into the trap of boasting in our own abilities!
Jeremiah 9:23-24 challenges the idea that we are the source of our own wisdom, might, or riches. In His dialogue with Jeremiah, the Lord says that true wisdom comes from knowing Him. If we know Him, we are better able to recognize that what we are boasting in is not the word itself, rather the Lord, the giver of the word and the source of all wisdom, might, and riches.
Our Father takes great delight in us. We know this because He uses us as instruments for His glory. To God be the glory for showing us just how much He delights in us by getting to tell someone how much He delights in them!
