Overcoming Pride

​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.’”
 
There is much boasting in the hearts of men. But what do we actually have to boast about? In truth, there is nothing that has come into our lives that did not originate with the LORD. Our very life and breath are a gift from God, a blessing of His gracious kindness to us. Does not Proverbs 16:18 warn us, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” And though we acknowledge that this is true, there are those who, though giving some credit to God, will in their arrogance rise up in prideful self-affirmation and receive all the glory for themselves. Even Christians struggle to overcome the egotism that plagues the heart of all mankind. Let us, then, strive to bring to an end the arrogance and boastful pride that is contrary to the humble and faithful life of those who belong to Christ.
 
As we look upon our text for today, we read from 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.” It is rather obvious in our world (and throughout history) that these three qualities of mankind are where people find their greatest desire for personal boasting. We want to lord it over those who have a “lesser” wisdom than us, or prove that we possess a “greater” strength than another, or display our affluence to showcase our “superior” wealth. An example of one who believed his own hubris is Uzziah, the king of Israel. We read in 2 Chronicles 26:16, “But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” How the Proverb proved true for the king—pride goes before destruction. Dear ones, if you possess these conditions, and have worked hard to gain wisdom, strength or resources, remind yourself that even your ability to gain these things came to you by the gracious hand of God.
 
Then what are we to do? Our text continues, “but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me.” If you are to “boast” in anything concerning your life, then let it be that which lifts your eyes to the LORD. How quickly people will “name-drop” a person they know who holds some celebrity status in this world. Beloved, I would tell you this: if you know Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD, you have the greatest name to drop in the midst of the people with whom you associate. There are two things to boast in. first, that you “understand” Him. This is to comprehend or have gained information about the LORD. Second, that you “know” Him. This is to have become familiar with the LORD in a relational sense. The Apostle Paul spoke of his former things wherein he boasted (see Philippians 3:3-6). Yet, he declares in Philippians 3:8, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” The Apostle to the Gentiles did not look to his own pedigree but to the knowledge of the LORD as of greatest worth.
 
So, then, how are we to know the LORD? We read the final statement of our text today, “that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” If we claim to know the LORD, it must be according to His own revelation of Himself. Many will boast that they know the LORD Jesus, and their understanding of Him is built only on human intuition or wisdom. He will not be known in that manner. You must hearken to His word where He has revealed Himself to all who desire to know Him. And you will discover that He is the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness—and He delights in these things. If you are to know Him, you will discover these to be true of our Savior. It is important to note that the LORD does not merely proclaim, but practice these things. He is not One who will speak only, but He is the God who acts according to His word.
 
Dear Christian, if you are to overcome the pride that inflicts all of us, you must take your eyes off yourself and put them on the LORD. Look upon the Savior, consider the Almighty God, and you will discover that there will be no room again for boasting in yourself.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

---