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Jeremiah 9:23

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 9:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Thus saith Jehovah, 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;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Thus saith Jehovah, 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;
Jeremiah 9:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20Yet hear the word of Jehovah, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth; and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbor lamentation.
21For death is come up into our windows, it is entered into our palaces; to cut off the children from without, [and] the young men from the streets.
22Speak, Thus saith Jehovah, The dead bodies of men shall fall as dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman; and none shall gather [them].
23Thus saith Jehovah, 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;
24but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah who exerciseth lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah.
25Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will punish all them that are circumcised in [their] uncircumcision:
26Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that have the corners [of their hair] cut off, that dwell in the wilderness; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart.
← Jeremiah 9:22Jeremiah 9:24 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, etc.] Not in his natural wisdom, or knowledge of natural things: this is often but an appearance of wisdom, and is science falsely so called; and whatever is real of this kind is of God; and the best falls short of leading men to a true and saving knowledge of God; the foolishness of God is wiser than it; and it is made foolish, destroyed, and brought to nought by him: nor in evangelical wisdom and knowledge; not in that which is less common, or what fits men for public usefulness, as ministerial gifts; for such are received from above; are more for the use of others than a man’s self; there is something better than these, which…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“wisdom--political sagacity; as if it could rescue from the impending calamities. might--military prowess.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To the end of Jeremiah 10:0 the prophet urges upon the people the practical conclusion to be drawn from God’s righteous dealings with them. The three things on which men most pride themselves are shown in this verse to have proved vain. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:23-24 This short poem discusses the nature of true wisdom. 9:23 Intellectuals might boast about the knowledge they have accumulated. The king and his royal court might flaunt their power with pomp and ceremony. Wealthy merchants might display their riches by wearing splendid clothes and constructing majestic buildings. All of these would be destroyed at the time of God’s judgment.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“wise: Job 5:12-14; Psa 49:10-13, Psa 49:16-18; Ecc 2:13-16, Ecc 2:19, Ecc 9:11; Isa 5:21; Isa 10:12, Isa 10:13; Eze 28:2-9; Rom 1:22; Co1 1:19-21, Co1 1:27-29, Co1 3:18-20; Jam 3:14-16 neither: Deu 8:17; Sa1 17:4-10, Sa1 17:42; Kg1 20:10, Kg1 20:11; Psa 33:16, Psa 33:17; Isa 10:8; Isa 36:8, Isa 36:9; Eze 29:9; Dan 3:15, Dan 4:30, Dan 4:31, Dan 4:37, Dan 5:18-23; Amo 2:14-16; Act 12:22, Act 12:23 rich: Job 31:24, Job 31:25; Psa 49:6-9, Psa 52:6, Psa 52:7, Psa 62:10; Pro 11:4; Eze 7:19; Zep 1:18; Mar 10:24; Luk 12:19, Luk 12:20; Ti1 6:10 Jeremiah 9:24”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“(9:22-23) The True Wisdom. - It is not a reliance on one's own wisdom and strength that brings well-being, but the knowledge of the Lord and of His dealings in grace and justice ( Jer 9:22-25). Idolatry is folly, for the idols are the mere work of men's hands; whereas Jahveh, the Almighty God, is ruler of the world (10:1-16). Israel will be made to understand this by the coming judgment ( Jer 9:17-25). Jer 9:22-25 The way of safety. - Jer 9:22. "Thus hath Jahveh said: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, and let not the strong man glory in his strength; let not the rich man glory in his riches: Jer 9:23. But let him that glorieth glory in this, in having understanding, and in knowing…”
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Related study paths

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