WHAT DOES GOD VALUE?

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

God through the prophet Jeremiah has been warning of coming judgment. This judgment is coming due to what the people value most – and it isn’t God. They think they are wise, strong, and wealthy, but they are committing the most grievous sins. As we read through Jeremiah, after God gives warnings of judgment, He usually gives nuggets of hope. God will have given them opportunity after opportunity. Ignorance will be no excuse. 

This is a great passage for Christians today. God hasn’t changed. It is important for us to value that which God values. How do we measure success? What do we value most? How do we have true fulfillment? God, through the prophet Jeremiah, cautions people not to boast in their wisdom, strength, or riches, but rather to boast in understanding and knowing God. For many, success is measured by intelligence, power, and material possessions. 

God values knowing Him. This passage calls for a focus on spiritual understanding and a relationship with God. It encourages us to seek qualities that reflect God’s character—kindness, justice, and righteousness—rather than worldly accomplishments. We see lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness manifested in Christ’s life and message, especially in the Sermon on the Mount. As we focus on God and His attributes, He strengthens us with those same attributes. We are being changed into the image of Christ. God may give us worldly wisdom, might, and riches, but they won’t be the focus of our lives. 

2Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry