Jer 9:23-24 says, “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: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. The ISV says it this way, “This is what the LORD says: "The wise man is not to boast in his wisdom; the strong man is not to boast in his strength; and the rich man is not to boast in his riches. Rather, let the one who boasts, boast in this: that he understands and knows me, for I am the LORD who acts with gracious love, justice, and righteousness in the land. I delight in these things," declares the LORD.”

Not all boasting is sin. There is a blessed boasting. There is a good boasting. That boasting that is good, right, and proper, is boasting in The Lord our God. I woke up two days in a row last week with the praise song, “I will boast” blasting in my head - though I didn’t have any music on. I believe it was a song in the night - a spiritual song. I decided it was from The Lord, so I started studying Jer. 9:23-24. As I studied, I found a great sin, and a great blessing - applicable to both the individual and the nation.

What is the great sin? Boasting in one’s wisdom, strength, and wealth. Our nation boasts in its “wisdom” of removing God from all of public life; forcing unjust laws down the throats of its citizens; protecting bugs and birds - while destroying the lives of unborn children; robbing citizens of their money, because they know better how to spend it; etc. Individually, many people worship education and intellect. It is their God. Even Christians often bow at the alter of worldly wisdom. They don’t seek God. They don’t ask if it is His will. They forsake the things of God, and exalt all things academic. They idolize and pursue godless men and women, because they have letters after their name.

So you drive a Lexus into Hell, instead of a clunker. So you burn in a mansion instead of a trailer. So what? The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God!” These people that mock God and laugh at the Bible are the biggest fools in the world - yet they’re venerated as being so intelligent. It’s craziness. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes (Isa 5:21)! Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil (Prv 3:7-8). See a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool, than for him (Prv 26:12). We should associate with humble people, and not think ourselves wiser than we really are (Rom 12:16). The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. Don’t be deceived; if any man seems to be wise in this world; let him become a fool, that he may be wise (1Cor 3:18-20).

Read 1Cor 1:17-31 carefully. God is not impressed with the wise of this world. They are utter fools to Him. The foolishness of God is wiser than the wisest man; the weakness of God is stronger than the strongest man. A truly wise man is a fool for Jesus. Are you foolish, weak, base, and considered nothing by the worldly wise? Then you qualify to be used by God! He delights in taking those rejected by the world, and using them for His glory. Will you submit to His Lordship, and let Him exalt you?

It’s not wrong to have degrees, but as our founding fathers rightly said, a man cannot consider himself educated, unless he has a thorough and working knowledge of The Scriptures. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If the world thinks you are a fool because you love and trust Jesus, and take literally His infallible Word; then receive it as a compliment, and rejoice that you’re counted worthy to be despised like Jesus, the Apostles, Prophets, and millions of Christians before you.

Some fruits of a Godly wise person are: 1. Receive commandments (correction) - Prv 10:8 2. Watch their words (hold their tongue) - Prv 10:19, 29:11 3. Win souls - Prv 11:30, Dan 12:3 4. Listen to counsel - Prv 12:15 5. Walk with the wise - Prv 13:20 6. Fear God and depart from evil - Prv 14:16 7. Disperse knowledge - Prv 15:7 8. Makes his father glad - Prv 15:20 9. Pacifies anger - Prv 16:14, 29:8 10. Are strong, and increases strength - Prv 24:5 11. Are fair in judgments - Prv 24:23 12. Keeps God's Law - Prv 28:7 13. Are doers of God's Word - Mt 7:24 14. Are vessels full of The Spirit - Mt 25:1-13 15. Live accurately and diligently - Eph 5:15 16. Are humble and of good conduct - Jam 3:13.

We will continue this series next week, Lord willing. Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!