READING: Jeremiah 9-12
“The wise person should not boast in his wisdom.”
Jeremiah 9:23
It’s so easy to boast. Nobody I know defaults into humility; instead, most (if not all) of us far too readily think of ourselves as greater than we truly are.
Indeed, we boast about so much. Our stuff. Our wealth. Our homes. Our jobs. Our children and grandchildren. Our strength. Our positions. Our academic degrees. Our automobiles. Our spiritual victories and awards. Our popularity. Our gentleness. My guess is that we could go on and on. At least, I think I could go on and on, even while I’m desperately trying at the same time not to be proud.
Arrogance is a subtle king who rules us even when we don’t recognize it. Today’s reading, though, reminds us that “the wise person should not boast in his wisdom; the strong should not boast in his strength; the wealthy should not boast in his wealth” (Jer. 9:23). Instead, “the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me—that I am the Lord, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things. This is the Lord’s declaration” (Jer. 9:24).
So, if we’re going to boast in anything, it should be the Lord. Period.
ACTION STEPS:
- Praise God for who He is today.
- Ask God to make you conscious to any ounce of pride in you today.
PRAYER: “God, please help me to boast only in You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 13-16