Title: What Should We Boast In?
Text: Jeremiah 9:23–24 — “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom... but let him who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows me...”
Introduction
Since the dawn of time, humanity has been on a relentless quest for significance. We naturally seek out reasons to boast, building our identities on the pillars of intellect, physical power, and material wealth. These are the trophies we display to the world to prove our worth.
However, through the prophet Jeremiah, God issues a profound warning. He declares that these human glories are not only vain but temporary. In a world that measures success by a high IQ, a fit physique, or a heavy bank account, God offers a different standard. True spiritual value is not found in what we possess or what we can do, but in whom we know. As we explore these verses, we are called to shift our focus from the fleeting pride of the world to the eternal glory of a relationship with the Almighty.
I. Do Not Boast in Human Wisdom
Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23; 1 Corinthians 3:19
The first pillar of human pride is the intellect. While education and intelligence are gifts, they become dangerous when they lead to self-sufficiency.
• The Trap of Pride: Proverb 3:7 warns us: "Be not wise in your own eyes." When we rely solely on our logic, we become blind to our need for God.
• The Rejection of Truth: Often, those who consider themselves "wise" by earthly standards find the Gospel to be "foolishness" (Jeremiah 8:8-9). This intellectual pride can lead to "spiritual foolishness," where one replaces the Creator with created things (Romans 1:22-23).
• The Limit of the Mind: James 3:15 reminds us that wisdom not from above is "earthly, unspiritual, demonic." God eventually frustrates the wisdom of the proud to show that his ways are higher.
II. Do Not Boast in Physical Strength
Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23; 1 Timothy 4:8
The second pillar is our strength and vitality. We live in a culture obsessed with the "body beautiful," yet the Bible places this in perspective.
• The Fading Flower: Physical strength is temporary. Psalm 147:10-11 tells us that God does not delight in the strength of the horse or the legs of a man, but in those who fear Him.
• The Goliath Complex: Goliath is the ultimate biblical example of boasting in physical power. He relied on his stature and armor, but he was defeated by a young man who relied entirely on the Name of the Lord (1 Samuel 17).
• The Spiritual Battle: We must remember that our true battles are not won with muscles or weaponry. According to Ephesians 6:12, our struggle is against spiritual forces, and physical strength is useless in that arena.
III. Do Not Boast in Riches
Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23; 1 Timothy 6:17
The third pillar is the most common metric of success: wealth. Yet, wealth is the most unstable foundation for a soul.
• The Deception of Laodicea: The church of Laodicea said, "I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing," not realizing they were "wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17).
• The Instability of Money: Proverbs 27:24 reminds us that riches do not last forever. They are "uncertain" (1 Timothy 6:17).
• The Price of a Soul: No amount of money can redeem a soul or provide security beyond the grave (Psalm 49:6-9). As Jesus asked, "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
IV. Boast in Understanding God’s Will
Scripture: Jeremiah 9:24; Romans 12:2
If we are to boast, God says we should boast in understanding Him. This goes beyond knowing about God; it means discerning His heart and His will.
• Renewing the Mind: To understand God, we must stop conforming to the world and allow our minds to be transformed (Romans 12:2). This allows us to discern what is "good, acceptable, and perfect."
• A Higher Perspective: Understanding God’s will means accepting that His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). It requires the humility to say, "Not my will, but Yours be done."
• The Fruit of Study: We grow in this understanding through the constant study of His Word and a lifestyle of prayer (Colossians 1:9-10).
V. Boast in Knowing God Personally
Scripture: Jeremiah 9:24; Philippians 3:8
Finally, the pinnacle of the Christian life is not just understanding a doctrine, but knowing a Person.
• Trust and Security: To know God's name is to put your trust in Him (Psalm 9:10). It creates an unshakable security that wisdom, strength, or riches can never provide.
• Knowledge and Obedience: True knowledge of God is inseparable from obedience. 1 John 2:3-4 tells us that if we say we know Him but do not keep His commandments, we are not living in the truth.
• The Ultimate Value: The Apostle Paul, a man of great intellect and status, counted everything as "loss" compared to the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8). This is the only boast that survives the grave.
See Also
- Can God Get Fed Up with Our Worship? Isaiah 1:11
- Is Neutrality Possible in Religion?
- Which is Better: To Hear the Truth or a Lie?
Conclusion
Humanity is always looking for a platform to stand on—whether it is our degrees, our gym results, or our bank statements. But the prophet Jeremiah reminds us that these platforms are made of sand.
Wisdom fails, strength fades, and riches fly away.
If you want to be proud of something, be proud that you have been called by the Creator of the universe to be His child. Boast in the fact that He has revealed His heart to you. Let our only glory be the Cross of Christ and the privilege of knowing the Holy One.
