THE ONLY GLORY THAT MATTERS

Text: Jeremiah 9:23–24; Luke 10:21 (KJV)
“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:
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.” — Jeremiah 9:23–24
“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.” — Luke 10:21
Human beings naturally seek significance through what they know, what they can do, or what they possess. The wise glory in their intellect, the strong in their influence, and the rich in their abundance. Yet God dismisses all three as inadequate grounds for boasting. He directs our attention to the one thing that carries eternal value: understanding and knowing Him.
This is a striking reversal of the world’s priorities. Society celebrates achievement, applauds power, and envies wealth. Heaven celebrates something altogether different—a heart that truly knows God. The greatest accomplishment of life is not the accumulation of knowledge, status, or possessions, but a growing relationship with the Lord Himself.
Jesus echoes this truth in Luke 10:21. He rejoices that the deepest realities of God’s kingdom are not revealed to those who trust in their own wisdom, but to those who approach God with the humility and dependence of little children. The obstacle to knowing God is often not ignorance but self-sufficiency. Those who think they have no need to learn from God frequently miss what He is eager to reveal.
Jeremiah also tells us what it means to know the Lord. It is to know Him as the God who exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. To know God is not merely to understand facts about Him; it is to delight in what He delights in and to reflect His character in daily life. As we grow in fellowship with Him, His mercy shapes our compassion, His justice shapes our integrity, and His righteousness shapes our conduct.
The penetrating question for every believer is this: What do I glory in most? If our achievements, reputation, resources, or abilities were taken away, would we still have a reason to rejoice? Jeremiah and Jesus remind us that the believer’s deepest joy must never rest in earthly distinctions but in the privilege of knowing God.
When all human glory fades, one treasure remains. When all earthly accomplishments are forgotten, one relationship endures. The only glory that matters is the glory of knowing the Lord.
Prayer
Father, keep me from glorying in wisdom, strength, wealth, or achievement. Give me the humility of a child and a heart that longs to know You more deeply. Help me to delight in Your lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, and let my greatest joy be found in fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.