Jer 9:23-24 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 23. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom ] Because God is the Fountain of all good, neither wisdom , nor might , nor riches , nor prosperity can come but from or through him. Nothing can be more rational than that the Source of all our blessings should be acknowledged. Riches cannot deliver in the day of death; strength cannot avail against him; and as a shield against him, our wisdom is foolishness.

‏ Jeremiah 9:23-24

Verse 23. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom] Because God is the Fountain of all good, neither wisdom, nor might, nor riches, nor prosperity can come but from or through him. Nothing can be more rational than that the Source of all our blessings should be acknowledged. Riches cannot deliver in the day of death; strength cannot avail against him; and as a shield against him, our wisdom is foolishness.

Verse 24. But let him that glorieth] To glory in a thing is to depend on it as the means or cause of procuring happiness. But there can be no happiness but in being experimentally acquainted with that God who exercises loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. He who has God's mercy for his portion may well exult; for he need not fear the power of any adversary.

Sometimes the ancient heathen poets uttered sentiments of morality far beyond their dispensation. Witness PHOCYLIDES on this subject:-

μηγαυρουσοφιημηταλκημητενιπλουτω

ειςθεοςεστισοφοςδυνατοςθαμακαιτολυολβος

"If wisdom, strength, or riches be thy lot,

Boast not; but rather think thou hast them not.

ONE GOD alone from whom those gifts proceed

Is wise, is mighty, and is rich indeed."