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I. THE GLORYING WHICH IS PROHIBITED BY GOD.

1. Glorying in wisdom is the glorification of self; therefore forbidden. The mind that knows and the subjects known are both from God.

2. Glorying in strength is forbidden as self-glorification. History shows God's repudiation of this boast: in destruction of Sennacherib's army, decline and fall of empires founded on mere force, etc.

3. Glorying in wealth is forbidden as self-glorification. Sad to behold a spirit entombed in a mausoleum of gold and silver.

II. THE GLORYING WHICH IS DIVINELY SANCTIONED. To glory is an instinct in man; is right, therefore, where the object is worthy of him. God here presents Himself. There is a gradation set before us:

1. Understanding God. Early education calls this into exercise; events of life afford it discipline; profound, spiritual verities may be by it examined.

2. Knowing God. This is more than "understanding" Him. Eternity will reveal new deeps of God's eternal love and being.

3. In the understanding and knowledge of God, the spirit of man glories, and may glory forever. God glories in our glorying in Him.

(W. R. Percival.)

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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;