Blessed Boasting: Part 1

Thus says Yehovah, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am Yehovah who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares Yehovah (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

This statement is one of the greatest descriptions of God’s character in the Bible. It begins with a warning against boasting. Boasting is an expression of pride and pride is the source of all sin “pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate” (Proverbs 8:13). Also “For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16).

The wise, the mighty and rich have no reason for boasting because everything they have is a gift from God. “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

True wisdom is from God. “The fear of Yehovah is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

Might of all kinds (physical, intellectual, political) has its source in God. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Finally, the ability to gain wealth comes from God. “But you shall remember Yehovah your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

All of the gifts He gives us are given to further His kingdom. We are to use them to fulfill the great commission to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19).

We need wisdom to teach others. “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of Yehovah and to practice it, and to teach God’s statute” (Ezra 7:10).

God will give us the strength to accomplish our commission. “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13).

God will provide the financial resources needed to accomplish His purposes “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned …I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13).

We are permitted to boast that we know and understand God. Can anyone truly state that they know and understand God? No. What we rejoice in is that He has made us His children and gives us the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to know Him.