“But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord (Jeremiah 9:24 NIV).
The people of the world boast about many things. In the previous verse God picks out three areas of man’s boasting and asks them not to do so.
He commands the wise man not to boast about his wisdom; for elsewhere it is written that foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and again He commands the strong man not to boast about his strength for again it is written that the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength (I Corinthians 1:25).
God also commands the rich man not to boast about his riches because elsewhere it is written that, “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone” (Proverbs 23:5).
These three elements; i.e. wisdom, strength and riches give man a false sense of power and control over his life and destiny. Therefore he boasts about his life; which actually quickly passes away.
But surprisingly God gives an alternative to man so that he can boast. God says that man has a chance to boast if he understands and knows Him. By this, God means that the highest wisdom of man is know Him.
All other knowledge fades and pales into insignificance before this knowledge of God. Therefore when you are troubled by the philosophical talk of brilliant men who try to confuse your mind with high sounding arguments; quietly reflect on the fact that you have a greater boast than them; that you know your God. That is the highest wisdom.
When you know your God who is the Lord; who delights in exercising kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, you need not cringe before the wise, the strong and the rich of this world.
Instead let them know that knowing God in a personal way is the highest achievement of man on earth; and therefore your boast is in your knowledge of God.
Whatever they have will not give them any hope beyond this life; but your knowledge of God will give you strength in this life; and life itself in the world to come.
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