Boasting in the Lord: The True Source of Wisdom and Strength

Jeremiah 9:24 (NASB95)

“but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,“ declares the LORD.

Background

Jeremiah, often called the “weeping prophet,“ ministered during a critical period in Judah's history, leading up to the Babylonian exile (around 626-586 BC). In this chapter, Jeremiah is lamenting the sins of his people and warning of impending judgment. Verses 23-24 provide a stark contrast between worldly boasting and the only appropriate form of boasting - in knowing and understanding God.

Exegesis

1. “but let him who boasts boast of this“ - This phrase introduces a contrast with the previous verse, which warns against boasting in human wisdom, strength, or riches.

2. “that he understands and knows Me“ - The Hebrew words used here imply more than just intellectual knowledge. “Understands“ (haskel) suggests insight and discernment, while “knows“ (yada) often implies intimate, experiential knowledge.

3. “that I am the LORD“ - This uses God's covenant name, YHWH, emphasizing His unique identity as the God of Israel.

4. “who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth“ - This describes God's active involvement in the world:

   • “Lovingkindness“ (chesed) is a rich Hebrew term encompassing love, mercy, and faithfulness.

   • “Justice“ (mishpat) refers to right judgments and fairness.

   • “Righteousness“ (tzedakah) indicates moral rightness and justice.

5. “for I delight in these things“ - This expresses God's pleasure in displaying these attributes.

6. “declares the LORD“ - A common prophetic formula affirming divine authority.

Key Points

1. True wisdom lies in knowing and understanding God, not in human achievements or attributes.

2. God's character is defined by lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.

3. God actively exercises these qualities on earth; they're not abstract concepts.

4. Understanding God should lead to emulating His character.

5. God takes delight in displaying His lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.

Reflection Questions

1. How does your current understanding of God compare to the attributes mentioned in this verse?

2. In what ways have you experienced God's lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness in your life?

3. How might your life change if you truly boasted only in knowing and understanding God?

4. Are there areas in your life where you're prone to boast in your own wisdom, strength, or riches instead of in knowing God?

5. How can you grow in your understanding and knowledge of God's character?

Applications

1. Spend time this week meditating on God's attributes of lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.

2. Journal about instances where you've experienced God's chesed (lovingkindness) in your life.

3. Look for opportunities to exercise lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness in your daily interactions.

4. Study other Bible passages that elaborate on these aspects of God's character (e.g., Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 103, Micah 6:8).

5. Share with a friend or family member how knowing God has impacted your life, rather than focusing on personal achievements.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You in awe of Your character - Your lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. We confess that too often we boast in our own wisdom, strength, or riches, rather than in knowing and understanding You.

Lord, deepen our knowledge of who You are. Help us to not just intellectually grasp Your attributes, but to know them experientially. May we see Your lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness at work in our world and in our lives.

Father, transform us by this knowledge. Let our boast be only in You. Shape us to reflect Your character, exercising lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness in our spheres of influence.

We thank You that You delight in displaying these qualities. May we, in turn, delight in You and in emulating Your character.

Guide us to continually grow in our understanding and knowledge of You. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of knowing the true and living God.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.