Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV)
In my career, this passage has affected me at times as a hammer, a scalpel, or a healing salve.
When I was younger, I often placed my trust in my education and training. At conferences, I would lurk around posters and presentations, presumably looking to apply my wisdom and knowledge for the betterment of colleagues and their research. However, this had all the appearances to others of arrogance, revealing my inner desire to acquire self-satisfaction and self-adulation. I was rude and selfish and was not reflecting the God who saved me.
Thus, God confronted me with this passage, and it was like being hit over the head with a hammer. I wasn’t utilizing my expertise for the betterment of others; I was wielding it carelessly and with malice.
This passage from Jeremiah began to help me frame what boasting really is. It made me realize that though I had worked hard to gain my knowledge, in truth, it was never mine. God provided the life, abilities, and opportunities that enabled my gain and growth. My expertise wasn’t mine to wield carelessly; it was purposed. It was His to be applied for His glory.
As I grew older and progressed in my career, Jeremiah 9:23-24 fostered an appreciation of what Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:20-2, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use…ready for every good work.”
Difficult interactions with colleagues where disagreements occurred, critical reviews from peers, and challenges put forward by uncontrollable variables have been part of God’s refining process in my life. Each small interaction served to excise selfish boasting, like a surgeon applying a scalpel to extract a cancer.
Now, entering the latter part of my career, I am far from perfect. Still, I am continuously overjoyed and motivated by the commanded truth to understand and know God- the one who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.
This is a balm to my soul that soothes and moves me to apply my gifts and talents and to only boast in Him.
Academia can tempt us to shift our focus off Christ and onto ourselves. Our life’s work becomes our identity, and we often feel tempted to make that our boast.
However, there is only One who is worthy of our boast.
Scotty Piland
Exercise/Sport Science
University of Southern Mississippi
