JEREMIAH 9

GOD DESIRES INWARD AFFECTION 

Jeremiah continues to mourn for the people of Judah and says his eyes are like a fountain of tears. Because they have refused to know God, they have become oppressive and deceitful.

In Genesis 11, the people were also prideful and self-reliant. They wanted to make a name for themselves, but God scattered and confused them. Similarly, God’s plan to punish Jerusalem involves scattering and separating them.

God challenges his people not to boast about their wealth, might, or wisdom, but instead only boast in knowing the Lord. Because a relationship with God is more valuable and necessary than anything else, it is the only thing worth finding confidence and value in. Those who practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness are a delight to God.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”