It has been said that “he who sings his own praises is seldom asked for an encore.”[1] A common trait among people is to fall into the trap of boasting or bragging about accomplishments, status, or wealth. This problem is often rooted in pride and has been a problem for humanity since the very beginning. While boasting is typically seen as negative, the Lord desires for His people to only boast about one thing.
In the days of the prophet Jeremiah, the Israelites had the same problem that many have today. They boasted of wisdom, power, position, and all the things the world offers. The Lord challenges the people to turn from what is worthless to what is truly worthwhile in life. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, the Lord instructs them not to focus on themselves but on their relationship with Him. The Israelites had committed many sins during this time in their history, but one in particular was idolatry. Idolatry is the sin in which we put something in the place of the Lord in our lives.
“These verses put life’s values in proper perspective. When all the nonessentials are laid aside, the only appropriate basis for boasting is that a person knows and understands the Lord. Nothing apart from this face has lasting worth.”[2]
Why should they boast in knowing the Lord? In verse 24, the Lord is described as one “who exercises loving-kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth.” The Lord wants His people to know in an intimate way who He is and what He delights in. Who is He and what does He delight in? He is the supreme example of loving kindness (hesed), all that is just, and right. These same standards are to be with His people, too.
“God doesn’t delight in a nation’s learning, political influence, armies, or gross national product. He delights in a people who practice kindness, justice, and righteousness because they know and fear the Lord.”[3]
Even though a common trait among people is bragging and boasting, the Lord desires for His people something better. Instead of boasting about that which is ultimately worthless, He calls on them to boast that they knew Him intimately. This intimacy is then shown externally by lives that reflect some of His wonderful traits. So the next time you want to boast about something, make sure it is by telling others about the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] Roy Zuck. The Speaker’s Quote Book, pg. 50
[2] The New American Commentary – Jeremiah and Lamentations, pg. 122.
[3] Warren Wiersbe. The Bible Exposition Commentary, Isaiah-Malachi, pg. 90.