23 Thus says the Lord:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the Lord.

 Personal response 

Self-help gurus talk about the importance of finding one’s passion in life, that which gives such pleasure it motivates us to devote time and energy, to build or pursue our dreams. When people find that in work, they can become high achievers, but it can also be the means of building our families or relationships.

And our passion determines our purpose in life. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

In this reading there is an interesting contrast in the verbs used for “taking pleasure in”. For the Lord, it is “delight”, a description of pure joy. For man it is “glory”, which also means to “take pride in” – here the pleasure becomes self-directed, rather than being focussed on the source of joy.

Each of the items listed ¬for man – knowledge (or wisdom), might, and riches, have a nature according to how they are used. When they are self-directed as a source of personal pride (or glory), they can become idols in themselves, and can be destructive. The pursuit of power and wealth for its own sake can trigger strife, broken families, and even wars.

Verse 24 says that our highest calling, what will give us the greatest energy and reward, is to seek to know the Lord, and understand His nature. Then we may also learn to delight in lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, and thereby do His will in this world. And then we will use the things He provides (like knowledge, power, and wealth) in wonderful ways for His good purpose.

Jesus has made it possible to know the Lord; John 14:9, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.”

This reading prompts the personal challenge, “What is my passion in life?”, and where am I devoting my time and energy?