Lesson 388: 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
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King James Version (KJV) — Public Domain.
The Context — The History
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 righteousnessRighteousness is the state of being aligned with God’s character, will, and moral order. In Scripture, righteousness is both a standard and a relationship — living in harmony with God’s truth and receiving the right standing He provides through grace. It reflects integrity, justice, and faithful obedience shaped by God rather than human merit. More 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
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Speak, “Yahweh says, “‘The dead bodies of men will fall as dung on the open field, and as the handful after the harvester; and no one will gather them.’”
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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But let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows me, that I am Yahweh who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousnessRighteousness is the state of being aligned with God’s character, will, and moral order. In Scripture, righteousness is both a standard and a relationship — living in harmony with God’s truth and receiving the right standing He provides through grace. It reflects integrity, justice, and faithful obedience shaped by God rather than human merit. More, in the earth: for in these things I delight,” says Yahweh.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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What do you tend to boast in instead of knowing God?
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How does knowing the Lord reshape views of wisdom and wealth?
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What does boasting in kindness and justice look like daily?
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