Ep. 180. Jeremiah 9-10 | Let Not the Wise Man

EPISODE 180

LET NOT THE WISE MAN: JEREMIAH 9-10

In the New Testament, and particularly in the first and second letters to the Corinthians, Paul reminds his reader to boast only in the Lord. He makes similar statements in Philippians. Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians Chapter 1 that the wisdom of God is contrary to the wisdom of man, and the wisdom of man is contrary to the wisdom of God. Human wisdom comes off as foolishness in light of the wisdom of God, and no amount of study in human disciplines can make sense of the wisdom of God. No achievement or accolade can move a person, even an atom, into righteousness. The riches of Monte Cristo could not buy a foot of real estate in the Kingdom of Heaven. So then, why do so many people boast about what they know, what they've accomplished, or what they have accumulated?

Christ Jesus is our wealth, the Spirit has given us wisdom, and God has worked his righteousness in us. I have nothing of my own to boast about. I have nothing of my own that I might hold up before the throne of God and declare, "Consider this, my Lord. Certainly, this trinket I have to offer might be of some benefit to you as I stand before you today." It would be foolishness.

We ought not to boast in ourselves or those who have led us and discipled us. We ought not to be proud of what we have learned or accomplished as though we have achieved anything apart from the work of God in us. But let the one who boasts boast in this, "that he knows and understands the Lord, that he knows that God exercises steadfast love, justice, and righteousness on the earth." Let these be the only things I care to elevate in my life. Let these be the only accolades I seek to show off. May everything else be considered rubbish and dung given the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.

Listen carefully to the words spoken by those around you, the words that fall from your lips; is the boast in self or in our Savior?

ADDITIONAL READING: 1 Corinthians 1:27-31; Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 46:1-7; Isaiah 45:20; Genesis 2:6; Philippians 3:7-16