Today’s Scripture reading is taken from Jeremiah 9.

Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NRSV)

Nobody likes to hang around proud, boastful people, and we all know that someone who likes to show off their riches or worldly accomplishments.

However, this passage of Scripture tells us that if there is anything that we are to boast about, that it should be that we understand and know God.

Indeed, we need to make a distinction here between knowing God and knowing about God.

We don’t want to know God merely in some academic or scholarly manner (and for those who would boast about their theological achievements, it seems superficial, and like the wise boasting about their wisdom).

We want to know God’s wonderful attributes (His steadfast love, justice, and righteousness) through what we have experienced firsthand in our lives or through those around us.

In other words, let’s not boast about our accomplishments. But rather, let’s boast about God’s accomplishments in our lives, which reflect His wonderful nature of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness.