This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.
With all the schooling we’ve had, why can’t we show off our intelligence from time to time? With all the hours we’ve spent at the gym, why can’t we flex our muscles in front of others? With all the time we’ve put in at the office, why can’t we brag a little about our hard-earned possessions?
Why not boast of our wisdom, strength, and money? First, they all come from the Lord to begin with. Second, they can so easily be taken away from us. Third, they will never completely satisfy us. But there’s a more important reason.
All of us boast. And since we do, the Lord through Jeremiah tells us how to boast well. “Since you’re going to show off, make sure you show off about this – that you know Me, the LORD.” Imagine that – knowing God! Our minds were machines of darkness and self-absorption. But freed by the Spirit, we now know God. And we don’t just know about Him, but we know Him personally!
Among all His vast attributes, the Lord tells us to boast especially of the ones he likes to boast about – His kindness, justice and righteousness. That is, his showering benevolence, his impartial fairness, and his virtuous uprightness. God shows them off and so should we.
Note the place where God shows off. He is not reclusive in heaven. He is not limited to operating in our hearts. But he “exercises on the earth.” The angels and saints in heaven see these attributes all the time. But the earth is the showcase where he loves to display his goodness, fairness and uprightness.
As you go through your day, look for signs of God’s goodness, fairness and uprightness. As you scroll through your newsfeeds, interpret the news by looking for signs of God’s kindness, justice and righteousness. That’s the real news. “For in these I delight, declares the Lord.” And that’s something to boast about!