Lesson 388: Jeremiah 9:23
Jeremiah 9:23
The Blueprint — The Verse
This is what the Lord says: "Let not the wise boast in their wisdom or the strong boast in their strength or the rich boast in their riches,
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
Jeremiah 9 laments Judah's mourning over deceit and unfaithfulness. In a society impressed by wisdom, might, and wealth, God redirects boasting toward knowing and understanding the Lord who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Jeremiah wishes his head a fountain of tears for the slain daughter of his people. He warns against trusting humans and forbids boasting in wisdom, strength, or riches. The only proper boast is understanding and knowing the Lord who delights in covenant loyalty.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
-
Jeremiah 9:22
22Say, “This is what the Lord declares:“ ‘Dead bodies will lielike dung on the open field,like cut grain behind the reaper,with no one to gather them.’ ”
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Jeremiah 9:22) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
-
Jeremiah 9:24
24but let the one who boasts boast about this:that they have the understanding to know me,that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,justice and righteousness on earth,for in these I delight,”declares the Lord.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Jeremiah 9:24) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- What do you tend to boast in instead of knowing God?
- How does knowing the Lord reshape views of wisdom and wealth?
- What does boasting in kindness and justice look like daily?