Jeremiah 9:23

¶ 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:

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Let not the wise {H2450} man glory {H1984} in his wisdom {H2451}, neither let the mighty {H1368} man glory {H1984} in his might {H1369}, let not the rich {H6223} man glory {H1984} in his riches {H6239}:

Here is what ADONAI says: "The wise man should not boast of his wisdom, the powerful should not boast of his power, the wealthy should not boast of his wealth;

This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches.

Thus saith Jehovah, 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;

Jeremiah 9:23 delivers a powerful prophetic warning from the LORD, cautioning against the common human tendency to boast in worldly strengths and accomplishments. This verse serves as a crucial preface to the following verse, Jeremiah 9:24, which reveals what truly deserves praise and boasting.

Context

The prophet Jeremiah ministered in Judah during a period of immense national decline, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The people often placed their trust in political alliances, military might, or their own perceived wisdom and wealth, rather than in the LORD. Jeremiah's message frequently called the nation to repentance, highlighting their spiritual adultery and misplaced confidence. This particular passage (9:23-24) challenges the very foundations of their pride and self-reliance, which were prevalent in a society facing divine judgment.

Key Themes

  • The Futility of Earthly Boasting: The verse directly confronts the vanity of pride in human wisdom, physical power, or material possessions. These are temporary and ultimately insufficient in the face of God's sovereignty and judgment.
  • Human Pride vs. Divine Dependence: It underscores the inherent danger of relying on oneself or worldly resources rather than acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all true strength and wisdom. This theme is echoed throughout scripture, such as in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trust in the Lord.
  • Preparation for True Glory: By negating what one should not glory in, the verse sets the stage for the positive declaration in Jeremiah 9:24, which redirects the focus to understanding and knowing God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "glory" in the KJV is halal (הָלַל), which means "to praise," "to boast," "to rave," or "to shine." It carries the sense of exulting in something, making much of it, or finding one's identity and security in it. The repetition of "let not... glory" emphasizes the strong prohibition against finding ultimate value or self-worth in these transient human attributes.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 9:23 remains profoundly relevant today. In a world that often values intellect, physical prowess, and financial success above all else, this verse serves as a timeless reminder:

  • Beware of Intellectual Pride: Do not let your knowledge or intelligence become a source of arrogance that distances you from God or humility.
  • Guard Against Power's Allure: Whether physical strength, political influence, or social standing, recognize that human might is temporary and ultimately subject to God's will. History is replete with examples of powerful figures whose might ultimately failed, as seen in Psalm 33:16-17.
  • Humility Regarding Wealth: Riches are fleeting and cannot guarantee true security or happiness. The Bible consistently warns against trusting in wealth, as it can easily become an idol. The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment regarding proper boasting in 1 Corinthians 1:31, stating that "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

Ultimately, this verse calls believers to a posture of humility and a recognition that true glory, lasting wisdom, and enduring security are found only in God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:27

    But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

  • 1 Corinthians 1:29

    That no flesh should glory in his presence.

  • Isaiah 5:21

    Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

  • Ecclesiastes 9:11

    ¶ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

  • Romans 1:22

    Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

  • 1 Corinthians 3:18

    ¶ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:20

    And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

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