Jeremiah 9:23-24 – This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

The word “boast” is repeated five times in the verses above. In the Hebrew the word is halal, and can also mean “admire, eulogize, praise, exclaim Hallelujah.” Halal is the root for Hallelujah, meaning “Praise the Lord.”

So, what in life deserves a hearty hallelujah? What should lie at the heart of our worship?  

The Lord first tells us three areas to not boast in: our wisdom, strength, and riches.

1. Wisdom.

Wisdom is the ability to solve problems. It’s a technical talent, a particular skill that sets you above the rest. You know how to run a business, coach a team, draw plans for a building, and engineer a desired future outcome.  

Thank God for the wise who make the world a better place. But how much time do we spend boasting about our wisdom? It’s often the first thing we say when we introduce ourselves, “Hi, I’m Bob, and I’m a __________________.” 

But our wisdom is not infallible. Some young buck or even a new technology might make our skills look old. We must continually increase our wisdom because it gets outdated like an old newspaper.  

2. Strength.

This is our youthful vigor. The size of our biceps and the ripples in our abs. Our physical stamina and testosterone levels. I just subscribed to a fitness app that allows you to share your workout results with others on social media. We could also include the mental strength to focus and complete a project.

What a gift to get up early, be productive, and go to bed late after a full day. But our strength, like the gas in our car, can run out, leaving us exhausted and burned out.

3. Riches.

The dollar has an eagle on it for a reason. Money not only talks. It walks and then flies away. Our wisdom, strength, and riches are precious gifts, but they expire the day our time on earth is done.

And yet, our expression of worship is based on these three areas. It’s the first thing we share on social media. And if our wisdom, strength, and riches are in a good place, our Hallelujah is full of gratitude. But if a setback hits our heart for worship shrivels like a prune.  

What are you boasting about today?

Jeremiah 9:24 – …but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness…

Here is the greatest treasure of life – knowing the Lord. It is a pesonal relationship marked by kindness and grace. We have divine favor and strength as we journey through life.

Galatians 6:14 – May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Maybe you’re like, “I have zero to brag about right now. I just have a bunch of bills, problems at work, and stress in my family.”

Lift your head. You have something tangible – a reason for worship. We can boast in the cross of Christ. Jesus loved you enough to give his life, dying in your place so you could be forgiven and have eternal life.

Paul once lived for himself.  He had an Ivy League education, the stamina of a wrestler, and all the connections.  But he said that old life was crucified with Christ. He was set free from living for himself through faith in the cross.  Nothing came close to knowing Christ.  

When our wisdom wanes, the wisdom of Christ will show us the way. When our strength runs out, the strength of Christ will sustain. And should our riches fly away, the infinite riches of Christ will provide. So, let us boast in Christ alone.