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I. WHAT WE ARE NOT TO GLORY IN.

1. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom. Neither in the largeness and compass of his knowledge and understanding, nor in his skill and dexterity in the contrivance and conduct of human affairs.

(1) Because the highest pitch of human knowledge and wisdom is very imperfect.

(2) Because when knowledge and wisdom are with much difficulty in any competent measure attained, how easily are they lost.

2. Neither let the mighty man glory in his might.

(1) If we understand it of the natural strength of men's bodies, how little reason is there to glory in that, in which so many of the creatures below us do by so many degrees excel us!

(2) Or, if by might we understand military force and power, how little likewise is that to be gloried in, considering the uncertain events of war, and how very often and remarkably the providence of God doth interpose to cast the victory on the unlikely side!

3. Let not the rich man glory in his riches.

(1) Riches are things without us — the accidental ornaments of our fortune.

(2) At the best, they are uncertain.

(3) Many men have an evil eye upon a good estate; so that instead of being the means of our happiness, it may prove the occasion of our ruin.

II. WHAT IT IS THAT IS MATTER OF TRUE GLORY.

1. The wisest and surest reasonings in religion are grounded upon the unquestionable perfections of the Divine nature. Divine revelation itself does suppose these for its foundation, and can signify nothing to us unless these be first known and believed: for unless we be first firmly persuaded of the providence of God, and of His particular care of mankind, why should we suppose that He makes any revelation of His will to us? Unless it be first naturally known that God is a God of truth, what ground is there for the belief of His Word?

2. The nature of God is the true idea and pattern of perfection and happiness; and therefore nothing but our conformity to it can make us happy. He who is the Author and fountain of happiness cannot convey it to us by any other way than by planting in us such dispositions of mind as are in truth a kind of participation of the Divine nature; and by enduing us with such qualities as are the necessary materials of happiness: and a man may as soon be well without health as happy without goodness.

(J. Tillotson, D. D.)

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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:

WEB: Thus says Yahweh, Don't let the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, don't let the rich man glory in his riches;