This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23–24, NIV).
My Musings – Who makes us wise? Who makes us strong? Who makes us rich? “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:16–17, NIV 1984). So, nothing really to boast about here.
But if we know God and understand what He has revealed about Himself to us, then we would know that the really “good and perfect gifts [are] from [Him].” Eternal life above all, but things like “kindness, justice, and righteousness” in our character are far superior “gifts” than wisdom, strength, and riches. For these are a reflection of God’s character.
My Advice – In our walk with Christ we should “eagerly desire [these] greater gifts,” (1 Corinthian 12:31, NIV 1984). Wisdom fades, strength will fail, and riches can be depleted. But “kindness, justice, and righteousness” will go with us into the next life. If we must boast, boast about these. Yet even these are a gift from God.
