“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: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.“ Jeremiah 9:23-26

In our journey to understand the divine, we often encounter scriptures that challenge our perceptions and deepen our understanding of who God is. Jeremiah 9:23-26 is one such passage that strips away worldly accolades and refocuses our glory on the true essence of God. But what does it truly reveal about God’s character and His expectations of us?

The Folly of Human Pride

The passage begins with a powerful admonition against the typical human inclinations to take pride in wisdom, might, and riches. These attributes, while valuable in earthly terms, can often lead to a false sense of security and superiority. God’s message through Jeremiah is clear: the wise, the mighty, and the wealthy are not to boast in their achievements or status. This sets the stage for a deeper understanding of what is truly worth boasting about in life.

True Glory: Knowing and Understanding God

Rather than glorying in worldly accomplishments, the scripture redirects us to glory in knowing and understanding God. But what does it mean to truly know God? According to this passage, to know God is to recognize Him as the Lord who exercises “lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.” These three attributes—lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness—are central to God’s character.

  • Lovingkindness (Chesed): This term encompasses love, mercy, and faithfulness. It reflects God’s enduring love and covenant loyalty to His people.

  • Judgment (Mishpat): This signifies God’s fairness and justice. It is His commitment to making right what is wrong and holding people accountable for their actions.

  • Righteousness (Tzedakah): Often translated as “justice,” it also connotes generosity and salvation. It underscores God’s ethical nature and His desire to correct injustices and offer salvation to His followers.

Divine Delight and Human Response

It is in these things—lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness—that God delights. This delight is not merely passive appreciation; it is an active engagement in the world. It’s crucial for believers to understand that their conduct should mirror these divine attributes, not merely as an act of obedience but as a response to God’s character.

A Warning to the Complacent

The latter part of the passage serves as a stern warning to those who might feel secure in their religious or cultural identity while their hearts remain distant from God. The mention of circumcised alongside the uncircumcised, including nations typically seen as outsiders or enemies (Egypt, Edom, etc.), highlights that external religious rites or identities are insufficient. Instead, God looks at the heart—true circumcision is that of the heart, a metaphor for purity and devotion.

Conclusion

Jeremiah 9:23-26 calls us to reflect on the depth of our understanding of God. It challenges us to look beyond superficial measures of piety or success and to measure our lives by the standards of divine love, justice, and righteousness. In understanding who God is, we find a call to transform how we live, moving ever closer to the heart of what it means to be followers of a holy God. In this profound understanding, we truly find something worth boasting about—not in ourselves, but in the God who invites us into His divine narrative.