Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; 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.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Many of us were taught at an early age not to brag or boast. We were told to show humility and modesty in all that we do. While this is good advice, the Bible does give believers a good reason to boast. But this reason can only be applied to someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus. First, let’s look at the contrast of what we are not to boast about.
- We should not boast about human wisdom and intellectualism
Whether it is holding a degree from a coveted university or just being a savvy business guru, the world loves to boast about its knowledge. Tragically, some have even been convinced that humanity is getting so intelligent that it no longer has any need for God. The truth is found in the exact opposite.
Mankind has become so callous to the things of God that the world continues to find ways to set itself up against the very goodness of the One who made us. Educational institutions are now “enlightening” the next generation with all forms of atheistic and ungodly philosophies. But all of this will not take us to a better place rather this refusal to acknowledge God will only lead to spiritual destruction. There is nothing wrong with educating ourselves but that intelligence should not become an idol or become the very thing in which we boast.
- We should not boast about physical strength or ability
Professional athletics has become quite a lucrative business in our modern world. Speculating on the fortunes and misfortunes of professional teams is now the focus of many. And the amount of money that comes with these physically demanding positions is staggering. But while athletic ability is certainly a gift from God, many can fall into the trap of believing themselves, because of their physical prowess, to be more important than they really are. As fans push their way to the front of the line in order to see their favorite players, the attention can play on the egos of some of these talented athletes. But like everything else in this life, physical ability will fade and as it does, the reality that we are only here for a short while becomes blatantly obvious. There is nothing wrong with using our God-given physical ability but those skills should not become an idol or become the very thing in which we boast.
- We should not boast about material wealth and possessions
When we stop and consider the concept of material wealth and success, we discover very quickly that this is a highly subjective subject. In other words, regardless of our economic situation, we can always find someone with more than we have and we can also find those with so much less. The secret to financial success is twofold: being content with what we have and using our resources for the furthering of the kingdom of God.
There is nothing wrong with bettering ourselves and working hard to become more successful at whatever field in which we find ourselves. But when the pursuit of material wealth becomes our chief aim in life, we deceive ourselves and even when we accomplish such goals, we will most likely find ourselves highly dissatisfied with the position in which we have arrived. That is because life is not meant for the pursuit of material possession rather it is an opportunity to live our lives for Christ and to enjoy His favor and presence everyday. Many begin with this mindset but quickly get drawn away from God by the pursuit of material wealth. Contentment and godliness quickly give way to comfort and ease. There is nothing wrong with having material wealth but those possessions should not become an idol or become the very thing in which we boast.
In each and every case, we see what the world tends to boast about. Whether it is some sort of intellectual or athletic ability and the money that sometimes accompanied such talent, the world chases after the very things that do not last. Rather, we should be focused on eternal things, the things of God, and the things that can only be applied to His kingdom. So the Lord speaks through the prophet Jeremiah, reminding us that we can boast, but when we do, it should be about this: “that we understand and know the Lord.”
As believers in Jesus Christ, we can boast but our boasting makes no sense to the world (1 Corinthians 1:18). Nevertheless, we boast that we understand God and know Him intimately and personally. And as we grow in our knowledge of Him, we become more aware of His love, His kindness, His justice, and His righteousness. These are the things in which He delights and, by extension, should be the things we pursue as well.
Do you know God? Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your life and to transform you by the power of His Spirit? It will change the way you live and approach life as well as alter your attitude on the things in which you boast. The very best life is a life committed to and in pursuit of the things of God. May we choose Him above everything else this world has to offer!
The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:17
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