The Lord’s Judgment on Boastfulness

“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.” -Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV).

Webster’s dictionary tells us that “boast” means “to puff oneself up in speech; to speak vaingloriously; to speak or assert with excessive pride.” Some synonyms of “boast” are to brag, to talk big, to gloat, to vaunt, to exult.” The wise writer of Proverbs wrote: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18, ESV). Jeremiah, often called “the weeping prophet” because of his lamentations over his nation’s rebellion, downfall and judgment at the hands of God, nonetheless sought to teach and preach that there was a way to follow God that was pleasing to Him and that would bring peace to the people. We are not to boast in wisdom—what we know; or strength—how strong we are to withstand whatever occurs; or riches—how much we own. Rather, if we boast, we are to take pride in the Lord whom we can know personally; whose steadfast love encompasses us; and who executes love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. These we can count on, for God is the author of love, justice, and righteousness.
      I read in the “Helping Hands” Missions prayer letter that on March 16, 2012, the scripture from Jeremiah 9:23-24 was read and assimilated by Dr. Brenda Kowalske, missionary doctor to Uganda, on the eve of her signing papers for the land there that would become the “Village of Eden,” a mission project to help with the spiritual, educational and medical needs of the people in the area where she and her workers were opening a bold mission project to reach people for the Lord. That was four years ago. Prayerfully and deliberately, and with help from Christian groups in Georgia and elsewhere, she, with God’s help and the help of many people who believe in the project, has proceeded under God’s direction to build and expand VOE (The Village of Eden) until today it cares for many sick people, houses orphans, has an excellent school, and an active church. Dr. Kowalske took literally the promise from Jeremiah 9 that God’s intention is to exercise love, kindness, and justice. And the amazing thought is that He invites us to be the instruments by which His knowledge and love are made known, even “as the waters that cover the sea.” Dr. Kowalske well-named her mission outreach “Helping Hands,” for such it has been in the places in the world, like Uganda and Brazil, where she has opened ministries to reach people for the Lord.
      Our area of ‘helping hands’ may be closer home. We are not to boast of what we do—but of God’s work through us his servants to make this world a better place to live. - Ethelene Dyer Jones 06.15.2016