Introduction
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (AMP) delivers a timeless message about what truly matters in life: understanding and knowing God. These verses contrast the futility of human pride with the eternal value of a relationship with the Creator. For today’s believers, this scripture challenges the tendency to boast in achievements, wealth, or wisdom. It reminds us that our greatest source of identity and purpose is found in knowing God and walking in His ways. As the world emphasizes outward success, this scripture calls Christians to prioritize a life rooted in faith, love, and a deep relationship with the Lord.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (AMP): “Thus says the Lord, ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast in his [power]; let not the rich man boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] abundance; but let the one who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me [and acknowledges Me and honors Me as God and recognizes without any doubt that I am the Lord who practices lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for in these things I delight,’ says the Lord.”
The Context of Jeremiah 9:23-24
Jeremiah 9 addresses the spiritual and moral decline of Judah as the nation faced impending judgment. The people placed their confidence in worldly things—wisdom, strength, and wealth—while neglecting their covenant relationship with God. In verses 23-24, God speaks through Jeremiah to redirect their focus. He declares that human accomplishments and possessions are not worth boasting about. Instead, understanding and knowing God is of the highest value.
For the original audience, these words were a call to repentance and a reminder of God’s character. For today’s believers, this scripture speaks to the same priorities, urging us to value what is eternal over what is temporary. It reminds us that God’s delight is found in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, and our lives should reflect these qualities as we seek to know Him better.
Relevance to Today’s Believers
In a culture that glorifies intelligence, power, and material success, Jeremiah 9:23-24 offers a countercultural perspective. It challenges Christians to examine what they value most and where they place their confidence. While education, hard work, and success are not inherently wrong, this scripture reminds us that these things should not define us. Our identity and purpose are found in knowing God and living in alignment with His character.
For today’s believers, this scripture is a call to humility and dependence on God. It teaches that true success is measured by our relationship with the Lord, not by worldly standards. It also reassures us that God values qualities such as lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness—qualities that reflect His heart and bring Him delight. This perspective encourages Christians to focus on eternal priorities, living lives that honor God and draw others to Him. When we are standing next to and with God, we can only be humbled in His majesty, power, greatness, lovingkindness. Think about it, what can we possibly boast about, when perched next to God other than Him and Him alone?
Supporting Scriptures
1 Corinthians 1:31 (AMP): “So then, as it is written [in Scripture], ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” Paul reinforces Jeremiah’s call, urging believers to place their confidence in God alone. Since God is infallible, what better place to place our confidence?
Micah 6:8 (AMP): “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?” This scripture reinforces God’s delight and requirement of justice, kindness, and humility.
Psalm 20:7 (AMP): “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God.” This verse highlights the futility of relying on earthly power and the importance of trusting God. Don't rely on the created, but the Creator!
Matthew 6:19-21 (AMP): “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus’ words align with Jeremiah’s message, calling believers to focus on eternal riches.
Philippians 3:8 (AMP): “But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ.” Paul’s testimony demonstrates the surpassing value of knowing Christ above all else.
Relevance to Today’s Believers
Reevaluating Priorities: Believers are encouraged to assess what they boast in and place our confidence in God rather than worldly achievements.
Focusing on Eternal Values: This scripture calls Christians to value lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, reflecting God’s character in our daily lives.
Living with Humility: Jeremiah 9:23-24 reminds believers to remain humble, acknowledging that all wisdom, strength, and wealth ultimately come from God.
Building a Relationship with God: Christians are challenged to make knowing God our highest priority, investing time in prayer, study, and worship.
Sharing God’s Heart with Others: Understanding God’s delight in lovingkindness and justice inspires believers to advocate for and practice these qualities in our communities.
Summary
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (AMP) delivers a clear and timeless message about what truly matters in life. God declares that wisdom, strength, and wealth are not worth boasting about. Instead, our greatest treasure is understanding and knowing Him, acknowledging His character and His delight in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. These verses call believers to shift our focus from earthly achievements to a deeper relationship with God.
Cross-referenced scriptures like 1 Corinthians 1:31 and Micah 6:8 reinforce the call to humility and alignment with God’s heart. Psalm 20:7 and Philippians 3:8 highlight the futility of trusting in worldly power or possessions, emphasizing the eternal value of knowing Christ. Together, these scriptures paint a picture of a life centered on God, prioritizing what brings Him delight.
For today’s Christians, Jeremiah 9:23-24 is a reminder to keep our eyes on eternal priorities. It challenges us to let go of pride in accomplishments or possessions, recognizing that true success comes from knowing and serving God. This scripture also inspires believers to reflect God’s qualities in our lives, demonstrating lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness to a world in need of His light.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 calls us to boast in the Lord, finding our identity and purpose in knowing Him. As believers, let us set aside pride in earthly things and focus on what truly matters: understanding God, walking in His ways, and reflecting His heart to the world. May this scripture inspire us to live with humility, prioritize eternal values, and delight in the knowledge that we serve a God who treasures lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.
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