The Fear of the Lord - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23-24

The Fear of the Lord
Jeremiah lived in a day very similar to ours: wickedness was rampant, false religion was everywhere, dishonesty, moral corruption, and rejection of God's Word were evident. The center of the problem is outlined for us in chapter 9. The opening verses do not paint a pretty picture. He mentions adulterers, treacherous men, lying tongues, and no desire for the truth (vv. 2-3). But the real problem is mentioned at the end of verse 3 and again in verse 6: "they do not know Me," and "they refuse to know Me"! It is no different in our world today! People in Jeremiah's day and in our day want to leave the Lord completely out of their lives.

We see what this world pursues and glories in. In verse 23 we see the world in hot pursuit of human wisdom, human might or power, and human riches. This is the world's idea of success, but what we really see here are ways to waste your life!

However, there is something missing, and we see it in the word, "but" at the beginning of verse 24. This stands as a contrast to the system of the world we live in. Where does true wisdom and power come from? What are the true riches that we should strive for in this life? Proverbs 1:7 tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This attitude is missing in the world we live in, but may it be found in each of us today as we seek to know, understand, and pursue Him!

Tim Hadley, Sr.