A Reflection on Jeremiah 9:23-24
Introduction: The Temptation to Boast
Let’s be honest—most of us have felt proud of something at one time or another. Maybe it’s a diploma hanging on the wall, a job promotion, a shiny new car, or even just being the one people turn to for answers. In our world, there’s a constant pull to prove ourselves by what we know, what we have, or what we can do. We share our successes on social media, we compare our achievements, and sometimes, we even measure our self-worth by these things. It’s easy to fall into the trap of boasting, thinking these things give us lasting value.
Jeremiah’s Warning: Earthly Boasting
Jeremiah 9:23 puts it plainly: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches.” It’s a wake-up call—a reminder that the very things we tend to brag about are, in reality, temporary. Wisdom fades, strength diminishes, and riches can disappear overnight. Life changes, economies shift, and what seemed so secure can be gone in a moment. Jeremiah’s message isn’t meant to shame us for having gifts or success, but to warn us not to make them our ultimate source of pride or identity.
The True Glory: Knowing God
So what, then, should we pursue? Jeremiah continues in verse 24: “But let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord…” This is a radical shift. Instead of chasing after things that don’t last, we’re invited to find our true distinction in knowing God. Not just knowing about Him, like facts in a textbook, but actually understanding and experiencing who He is. It’s the difference between reading a biography and having a deep friendship—the kind that changes you from the inside out.
God’s Character: Lovingkindness, Justice, Righteousness
Jeremiah describes God’s character with three powerful words: lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. These aren’t just fancy religious terms—they’re qualities we see, and need, in everyday life.
· Lovingkindness: This is God’s steady, unchanging love. It’s the kind of care that sticks with us when we’re at our best and our worst. Think of a friend who stands by you no matter what, or a parent’s comfort on a hard day. God’s lovingkindness goes even deeper, offering us grace when we don’t deserve it.
· Justice: God cares about fairness. He stands up for what’s right and defends those who are wronged. In a world where injustice can seem overwhelming—where people are overlooked or mistreated—God’s justice brings hope. It means He sees every hurt and is committed to making things right.
· Righteousness: This means God always does what’s good and true. He doesn’t cut corners or compromise. His ways are trustworthy, and He invites us to walk with Him in integrity and honesty.
These qualities aren’t just nice ideas. They have real-life relevance. When we know God, we can experience His love in our darkest moments, trust His fairness when life isn’t fair, and rely on His goodness when the world feels uncertain.
Our Response: Seeking What Lasts
The message of Jeremiah 9:23-24 is clear: don’t settle for bragging rights that fade away. Instead, invest in your relationship with God. How do we do that? It starts with simple things—talking to God honestly, reading about Him in Scripture, and looking for His character at work in our lives and the lives of others. When we make knowing God our goal, it shapes how we treat people, how we handle challenges, and what we cherish most.
Conclusion: The Distinction That Endures
At the end of the day, wisdom, strength, and riches are good gifts, but they’re not enough to define us. The true glory—the lasting distinction—comes from a life marked by God’s lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. When we know Him, we find a source of worth and identity that nothing in this world can take away. So let’s trade our earthly boasting for the joy and honor of knowing God. That’s a legacy that endures, and it’s open to each of us, every day.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 