Old Testament
Jeremiah 9:23
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The LORD says, "The wise should not boast in their wisdom. The strong should not boast in their strength. The rich should not boast in their riches.
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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:
What Jeremiah 9:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing the tendency of people to take pride in their own abilities and possessions. He warns that wisdom, strength, and wealth are not reasons for boasting. Instead, true value lies in knowing and understanding God. The wise, strong, and rich should recognize that these attributes are gifts from God and should not be sources of pride. This message encourages humility and a focus on spiritual rather than material achievements. It reminds us that our identity and worth should come from our relationship with God, not from our accomplishments or possessions. Ultimately, God desires that we seek Him and find our glory in knowing Him, which leads to a deeper understanding of His character and purpose for our lives.
How to apply Jeremiah 9:23 to your life
To apply this verse, reflect on what you take pride in. Consider how you can shift your focus from boasting about your achievements to recognizing God's role in your life. Cultivate a deeper relationship with God, valuing spiritual growth over material success.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 9:23 mean?
Jeremiah 9:23 means that God warns against pride in human abilities like wisdom, strength, and wealth. Instead, He emphasizes that true value comes from knowing and understanding Him.
What is the meaning of boasting in wisdom in Jeremiah 9:23?
Boasting in wisdom in Jeremiah 9:23 refers to taking pride in one's intelligence or knowledge. The verse teaches that such pride is misplaced and that true wisdom is found in a relationship with God.
How can I apply Jeremiah 9:23 to my life?
To apply Jeremiah 9:23, reflect on your sources of pride and shift your focus to recognizing God's influence in your life. Prioritize spiritual growth and understanding over material success.
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