Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus said the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might… I. WHAT IT IS FOR A PROSPEROUS NATION TO REJOICE IN THEMSELVES. 1. It is to rejoice in their own national prosperity because it is their own, and superior to that of other nations. 2. A people rejoice in themselves when they ascribe their national prosperity to their own self-sufficiency. II. WHAT IT IS FOR NATION IN PROSPERITY TO REJOICE IN GOD. 1. It is to understand and know that God is the Governor of the world. 2. For a nation in prosperity to rejoice in God implies rejoicing, not only that He governs the world, but that He displays His great and amiable perfections in governing it. (1) There is reason to rejoice in the judgment or wisdom God displays in the government of the world. (2) There is reason to rejoice in the moral rectitude and perfect righteousness which God displays in the government of the world. (3) There is reason to rejoice in the perfect benevolence which God displays in the government of the world. He is continually doing as much good as His wisdom, His justice, His power, and His goodness enable Him to do. III. THIS IS THE DUTY OF ALL MANKIND, ESPECIALLY OF EVERY NATION IN THE DAY OF PROSPERITY. 1. Because God has given them all their national prosperity. 2. Because He only, in His governing goodness, can promote and preserve their prosperity.Application — 1. We have seen what it is for a people, in prosperity, to rejoice in themselves, and to rejoice in God, and that these two kinds of rejoicing are entirely opposite to each other. The one is right and the other is wrong; the one is pleasing and the other displeasing to God. 2. Have we not reason to fear that our national prosperity will be followed with national calamities and desolating judgments? (N. Emmons, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thus saith the LORD, 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: |
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