Knowing God

23 This is what the Lord says: “Do not let the wise boast (brag) in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches (money). 24 But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know Me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love (kindness and mercy) and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.” Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NLT)

Jeremiah 9:23-24 is a beautiful poem on true wisdom. This wisdom comes from knowing God. Wisdom does not mean educated, intelligent, or rich. No amount of intellect or wealth can bring wisdom. True wisdom only comes from knowing and understanding God and obeying His ways (Jeremiah 9:23–10:25). If you know God, then you have the most precious jewel and greatest wealth in the entire universe (Proverbs 1:7).  “Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord, and understanding begins with knowing the Holy One” (Proverbs 9:10 NCV).

The goal of life is knowledge and obedience of God (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). To know God means to discover His qualities and develop a close, intimate, and personal relationship with Him from our hearts (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). God delights in a pure heart committed to wholeheartedly loving, knowing, and obeying Him (Matthew 5:8; see also Deuteronomy 10:12-17 and I Corinthians 7:19). God is filled with loving-kindness, fairness, justice, faithfulness, and righteousness (Exodus 34:6-7). God wants everyone to do the same. The lives of those who know God will reflect His qualities: loving-kindness, fairness, justice, faithfulness, and righteousness.

Knowing God and finding wisdom start with faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:29; John 3:16, 26). In Jesus Christ are hidden all God’s treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossian 2:3). King Solomon was the wisest person who ever lived, and yet Jesus Christ is "greater than Solomon" in all wisdom and wealth (Matthew 12:42). Jesus Christ is the new Solomon, speaking wise words to the people, especially in His parables (Matthew 13). For our benefits, God has made Jesus Christ wisdom for His people so that we can live a life of holiness, righteousness, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). For God’s people today, Jesus Christ is our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30).

Following and abiding with Jesus Christ makes us wise as He changes our hearts and makes us new (John 15:1-10; see also 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21). God gives Jesus Christ's wisdom generously to all who seek Him in Jesus Christ (see Proverbs 2:1-10; James 1:5). In essence, all the beautiful qualities of wisdom are revealed in Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ’s life is a pattern for everyone to follow (1 John 2:6; see also Deuteronomy 4:5-8; James 3:13-18). Knowing and obeying God found in Jesus Christ makes one wise indeed (Psalm 111:10).

References:
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
NLT Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008.
Schwab, George. The Book of Proverbs: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2009.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary. Victor Books, 1989.