Scripture Focus: “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom… but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me… that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” — Jeremiah 9:23-24, KJV
Righteousness is one of the main things God asks of us. Righteousness means living in a way that is right before God. It means loving what God loves, doing what is just, walking in truth, and treating people with mercy and fairness.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 teaches us not to brag about wisdom, strength, or riches. These things can fade away. A person can be smart, strong, or wealthy and still be far from God. The Lord says the greatest thing is to know Him and understand that He delights in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.
God Delights in Righteousness
God is righteous, and He loves righteousness. Psalm 33:5 says, “He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” The world is full of signs of God’s kindness, but many people enjoy His blessings without giving Him praise.
God does not only want religious words. He wants hearts that are right with Him. He wants people who walk in truth, show mercy, care about justice, and live with humility before Him.
Knowing God Changes How We Live
To know God is more than knowing facts about Him. Jeremiah 22:15-16 shows us that knowing God is connected to doing justice and righteousness. God said that King Josiah judged the cause of the poor and needy, and then He asked, “Was not this to know me?”
This means real knowledge of God should be seen in our actions. If we know God, we should care about what He cares about. We should care about truth, mercy, justice, the poor, the needy, and those who are treated unfairly.
Do Not Glory in the Wrong Things
It is easy for people to take pride in wisdom, success, strength, money, position, or reputation. But none of these things can save the soul. None of them can make a person right with God.
The only safe thing to glory in is the Lord. We should rejoice that we can know Him, belong to Him, and walk in His ways. True honor comes from God, and what comes from God will last forever.
Righteousness Must Be Lived Out
Righteousness is not just something we talk about. It must show up in how we live. It should affect how we speak, how we treat people, how we handle money, how we respond to wrong, and how we care for those in need.
Micah 6:8 says that the Lord has shown us what is good: to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This is simple, but it is not always easy. It requires a heart that is surrendered to God.
Jesus Makes Us Righteous
We cannot make ourselves righteous by our own strength. We need Jesus. Second Corinthians 5:21 teaches that God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
When we put our faith in Jesus, He forgives us, changes us, and teaches us how to live a new life. Righteousness is not just a rule we follow. It is the life of Christ being formed in us.
Scripture References
- Jeremiah 9:23-24 — God delights in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.
- Psalm 33:5 — The Lord loves righteousness and justice.
- Psalm 105:7 — God’s judgments are in all the earth.
- Jeremiah 22:15-16 — Knowing God is connected to justice and righteousness.
- Micah 6:8 — God calls us to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 — We are made righteous in Christ.
- Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
- Final Thought
Righteousness matters to God because it reflects His heart. He wants us to know Him, walk with Him, and live in a way that shows His kindness, justice, and truth. Let us not glory in ourselves. Let us glory in the Lord and seek His righteousness every day.
Prayer
Lord, help me seek Your righteousness above all else. Teach me to love what You love, walk in truth, show mercy, and do what is right. Let my life bring honor to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Minister A Francine Green, September 2026