Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 9:23-26

"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; but 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. Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will punish all them that are circumcised in [their] uncircumcision: Egypt, 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 9:23-26 (ASV)

1. Here, he excludes false confidence in escape: let not the wise glory in his wisdom—as if hoping to free himself by this—which is the chief among the human goods of the soul; in his strength, which is the chief among the human goods of the body; or in his riches, which are the chief among external goods. Do not multiply to speak lofty things, vaingloriously (1 Samuel 2:3).

   He then shows what true confidence is: but let the one who glories, glory in this, that he understands—through knowledge and insight—and knows, through the experience of sweetness. In God is my salvation, my glory, and my hope is in God (Psalms 61:7). Let the one who glories, glory in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31).

   And he gives the reason: because I am the Lord who exercises mercy to free you, and judgment to subdue the enemy, and justice so that there may be equity. These things please me in you. I will tell you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you. But to execute judgment and to love mercy, and to walk steadfastly with your God (Micah 6:8).

2. Second, he excludes confidence in the ceremonies of the Law, particularly in circumcision. Although it is the chief ceremony and comes from the patriarchs, it is imperfect because it is only of the flesh and not of the heart. For this reason, those who trust in it will be punished along with the uncircumcised. Behold, the days are coming. With a stiff neck, and uncircumcised ears and hearts you have always resisted the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51).

• Note that a person ought not to glory in wisdom (Jeremiah 9:23) for several reasons. First, because it is transitory: The wisdom of his wise men shall perish, and the understanding of his prudent men shall be hidden (Isaiah 29:14). Second, because it is imperfect: I understood that man can find no reason for all the works of God that are done under the sun (Ecclesiastes 8:17). Third, because it can be harmful: knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies (1 Corinthians 8:1). And fourth, because it is attended with much labor: in much wisdom is much indignation; and he who adds learning adds labor also (Ecclesiastes 1:18).

• Likewise, one ought not to glory in strength (Jeremiah 9:23). It is fragile: Neither is my strength the strength of stones, nor is my flesh bronze (Job 6:12). It is frequently useless: I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor war to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the teacher, nor favor to the craftsman; but time and chance happen to them all (Ecclesiastes 9:11). It is not pleasing to God: his desire will not be in the strength of the horse, nor his good pleasure in the legs of men (Psalms 146:10). And it can be an occasion for sin: but let our strength be the law of justice; for what is weak is found useless .

• Finally, one ought not to glory in riches (Jeremiah 9:23). They are transitory: your riches are corrupted, and moths have eaten your clothing (James 5:2). They are insufficient: what does it profit a fool to have riches, when he cannot buy wisdom? (Proverbs 17:16). They impede the word of God: the falseness of riches strangles the word, and he becomes fruitless (Matthew 13:22). And they are harmful: riches gathered are an evil to their owner (Ecclesiastes 5:12).