Let not the Wise Boast (Jeremiah 9:22-23)

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In this passage, the Lord warns against boasting in one's wisdom, strength, or wealth, as these worldly attributes are not what truly matter in the eyes of God. Instead, God desires that individuals take pride in their knowledge and understanding of Him, recognizing His just and righteous character.

The central theological message of this passage is the call for humility and the prioritization of a relationship with God over materialistic or worldly pursuits. God values a heart that seeks to know Him and His ways, rather than one focused on temporal achievements. This passage underscores the importance of understanding the true nature of God, as well as the futility of relying on one's own abilities or possessions for ultimate fulfillment.

Jeremiah 9:22-23 serves as a reminder for believers to cultivate a genuine relationship with God, striving to know Him intimately and walk in His ways. This passage challenges individuals to reevaluate their priorities and to seek a deeper understanding of God's character, emphasizing that it is through knowing Him that true wisdom, strength, and wealth can be found. In a broader context, this passage contributes to the Bible's overarching themes of humility, faithfulness, and the pursuit of godliness.

Vocabulary

Word Meaning
כֹּה thus
אמר to say
יְהוָה Lord
אֶל towards
הלל praise
חָכָם wise, skilful
בְּ in
חָכְמָה wisdom, skill
הוּא he
וְ and
הַ definite article
גִּבּוֹר mighty
גְּבוּרָה strength
עָשִׁיר rich
עֹשֶׁר wealth
כִּי for, that, when
אִם if; when
זֹאת this (f.)
שׂכל understand
ידע know, learn, observe
אֵת accusative
אֲנִי I
עשׂה to make, do
חֶסֶד kindness, love
מִשְׁפָּט judgement
צְדָקָה righteousness
אֶרֶץ earth
אֵלֶּה these
חפץ delight
נְאֻם utterance

Biblical text

9:22כֹּ֣ה ׀ אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֗ה אַל־יִתְהַלֵּ֤ל חָכָם֙ בְּחָכְמָת֔וֹ וְאַל־יִתְהַלֵּ֥ל הַגִּבּ֖וֹר בִּגְבֽוּרָת֑וֹ אַל־יִתְהַלֵּ֥ל עָשִׁ֖יר בְּעָשְׁרֽוֹ׃23כִּ֣י אִם־בְּזֹ֞את יִתְהַלֵּ֣ל הַמִּתְהַלֵּ֗ל הַשְׂכֵּל֮ וְיָדֹ֣עַ אוֹתִי֒ כִּ֚י אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֔ה עֹ֥שֶׂה חֶ֛סֶד מִשְׁפָּ֥ט וּצְדָקָ֖ה בָּאָ֑רֶץ כִּֽי־בְאֵ֥לֶּה חָפַ֖צְתִּי נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה׃ ס