Jeremiah 9:23
Jeremiah 9:23 in Multiple Translations
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 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 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;
This is the word of the Lord: Let not the wise man take pride in his wisdom, or the strong man in his strength, or the man of wealth in his wealth:
This is what the Lord says: The wise shouldn't boast about their wisdom. The strong shouldn't boast about their strength. The rich shouldn't boast about their riches.
Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisedome, nor the strong man glorie in his strength, neyther the riche man glorie in his riches.
Thus said Jehovah: Let not the wise boast himself in his wisdom, Nor let the mighty boast himself in his might, Let not the rich boast himself in his riches,
The LORD says, “Don’t let the wise man glory in his wisdom. Don’t let the mighty man glory in his might. Don’t let the rich man glory in his riches.
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 the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, and let not the strong man glory in his strength, and let not the rich man glory in his riches:
Yahweh says this: “Wise men should not boast about their being wise, strong men should not boast about their being strong; and rich people should not boast about their being rich.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 9:23
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Jeremiah 9:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 9:23
Study Notes — Jeremiah 9:23
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 9:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:23
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:23
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 9:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:23
- Sermons on Jeremiah 9:23
Context — A Lament over Zion
23This 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.
24But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth— for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. 25“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 1:27–29 | But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence. |
| 2 | Isaiah 5:21 | Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 9:11 | I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. |
| 4 | Romans 1:22 | Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 3:18–20 | Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” |
| 6 | Psalms 49:6–13 | They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice, that he should live on forever and not see decay. For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others. Their graves are their eternal homes— their dwellings for endless generations— even though their lands were their namesakes. But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of the self-confident and their followers who endorse their sayings. Selah |
| 7 | Ezekiel 7:19 | They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will seem unclean. Their silver and gold cannot save them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetites or fill their stomachs with wealth, for it became the stumbling block that brought their iniquity. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 1:19–21 | For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. |
| 9 | Job 31:24–25 | If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much, |
| 10 | James 3:14–16 | But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. |
Jeremiah 9:23 Summary
[This verse means that we should not be proud of how smart, strong, or rich we are, because these things are not what truly matter to God, as seen in Jeremiah 9:23. Instead, we should be proud of knowing and loving God, who is the source of all good things, as stated in Jeremiah 9:24 and also seen in Psalm 37:4. We can trust in God's love, justice, and righteousness, rather than in our own abilities, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Jeremiah 9:23?
The main point of Jeremiah 9:23 is that God warns against boasting in human achievements such as wisdom, strength, and wealth, as seen in the Berean Standard Bible text, and instead encourages boasting in knowing and understanding Him, as stated in Jeremiah 9:24.
Why does God not want us to boast in our wisdom, strength, or wealth?
God does not want us to boast in these things because they are fleeting and can lead to pride, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which says that pride goes before destruction, and in 1 Corinthians 1:29, which states that no one should boast in the presence of God.
Is it wrong to be wise, strong, or wealthy?
It is not wrong to possess these qualities, but it is wrong to trust in them or boast in them as if they are the source of our salvation or security, as stated in Psalm 20:7, which says that some trust in chariots and horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
What is the alternative to boasting in human achievements?
The alternative is to boast in knowing and understanding God, as stated in Jeremiah 9:24, which says that we should boast in the fact that God exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth, as also seen in Micah 6:8, which says that God requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I tend to boast or put my trust in human achievements rather than in God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding and knowledge of God, as encouraged in Jeremiah 9:24?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of not boasting in human achievements to my daily life, such as in my work or relationships?
- What are some ways that I can shift my focus from boasting in my own abilities to boasting in God's love, justice, and righteousness?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:23
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:23
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:23
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 9:23
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:23
Sermons on Jeremiah 9:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Guide Posts and Warning Signs by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal life verses that have guided him throughout the years. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God and seeking a personal |
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"We Don't Know God!" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God, highlighting how many people may know about God but not truly know Him intimately. It shares stories of past revivals an |
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The Knowledge of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of knowing and understanding God. He quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24, where God declares that true boasting should come fr |
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"We Are in Grave Danger, when..." by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the danger of placing our confidence in our own accomplishments rather than in Jesus. It warns against the folly of relying on personal achievements, highlig |
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Gods Order in Christ - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of heavenly order and how it has been disrupted by Satan. However, Christ is the one who restores this divine order through hi |
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 1 - Who Takes First Place? by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformative power of the Ten Commandments for believers. He explains that the law of God reveals our sinfulness and leads us to salva |
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Desiring God - Lesson 1 by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the practical aspects of living a Christian life. They acknowledge that many people desire practical guidance on how to fight the spiritual ba |





