Finding True Glory in Knowing God
"23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 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
As we navigate through life in this modern age, it is easy to become entangled in the webs of wisdom, strength, and wealth. Society often celebrates these attributes, elevating the wise, the mighty, and the affluent as figures of respect and admiration. Yet, amidst this relentless pursuit of greatness, the words of the prophet Jeremiah resonate powerfully, urging us to recalibrate our understanding of true glory. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, we read:
"23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 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."
In these verses, God lays down a profound truth about where our identity and pride should derive from. The Lord, through the prophet, calls us to make a poignant distinction: the accolades of this world—wisdom, power, and wealth—are fleeting and unreliable. Each of these traits can lead individuals to a false sense of security and grandeur. Wisdom can fail, strength can wane, and riches can deceitfully vanish in a moment. However, God invites us to find our glory not in our pursuits or achievements, but in knowing Him intimately.
Understanding and knowing God is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is a heart commitment grounded in relationship. When we grasp who God is—His character, His promises, and His pursuits—we find stability in an unstable world. In recognizing Him as the Lord who exhibits lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, we acknowledge that He is actively involved in the fabric of our lives. His attributes reveal not only His nature but also His desires for us. The God we serve loves us with an everlasting love, judges wisely, and exhibits righteousness in every aspect of creation. This understanding shifts our focus from ourselves and our accomplishments to His unfathomable greatness.
Moreover, God’s call to glory in our understanding of Him sets a different standard for success. In a time where ladders of worldly achievement often drown out the still, small voice of God, we must seek the quiet moments where we can reflect on His Word and His deeds in our lives. Each moment spent in worship, prayer, and study brings us closer to understanding who He is. It is in this sacred space of communion that we learn of His lovingkindness and experience His righteousness, which encourages us to imitate His virtues in our lives.
As we engage with God through the complexities of daily life, we begin to reflect His image and character. The Lord’s desire is that we would not merely be wise, mighty, or rich, but rather people who embody His qualities of love, mercy, and justice. This embodiment of God’s character will naturally attract the attention of others—a reflection of true glory that points back to the One who deserves all praise. In choosing to know Him, we also become conduits of His goodness to the world around us; His judgment aligns with our decisions, and His righteousness influences our actions.
In conclusion, let us take a deliberate step away from the world's glorification of wisdom, might, and wealth and instead pursue the knowledge of God above all. His invitation is not simply a call to acknowledgment, but a promise that understanding Him will lead to abundant life—true life captured in lovingkindness, righteous judgment, and a heart aligned with His. Allow today to be a day of introspection about where you place your glory, and let it be reaffirmed that true glory comes from knowing and understanding God, who delights in those very things.
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Jeremiah 9:23-24 Artwork
Jeremiah 9:23-24 - "Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.""
"Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord."" - Jeremiah 9:23-24
Jeremiah 9:23 - "¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:"
Jeremiah 23:24 - "Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 24:9 - "And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them."
Jeremiah 9:24 - "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 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 33:23 - "Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,"
Luke 9:23-24 - "Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it."
Jeremiah 23:9 - "¶ Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness."
Jeremiah 23:23 - "Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?"
Jeremiah 13:23
Jeremiah 23:16,17
Jeremiah 23:18
Genesis 24-23
Jeremiah 38:24 - "¶ Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and thou shalt not die."
"¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:" - Jeremiah 9:23
Leviticus 24:20-23
Jeremiah 26:24 - "Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death."
Luke 23:24 - "And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required."
"Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying," - Jeremiah 33:23
Jeremiah 44:24 - "Moreover Jeremiah said unto all the people, and to all the women, Hear the word of the LORD, all Judah that are in the land of Egypt:"
"Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD." - Jeremiah 23:24
Jeremiah 23:9 My heart within me is broken Because of the prophets; All my bones shake. I am like a drunken man, And like a man whom wine has overcome, Because of the Lord, And because of His holy words.
Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV) 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV) 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Jeremiah 25:23 - "Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all that are in the utmost corners,"
Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV) 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Jeremiah 24:4 - "¶ Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Jeremiah 5:23 - "But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone."