This thought, with John 17:3, gives us a precise idea of how important knowing God is from His point of view. His evaluation of the relative value of things ought to be of great importance to us. Carnal men look to their riches as their glory. "Riches" can be understood as anything achieved through natural means: money; political power; athletic, artistic, or academic success; etc. "Glory" indicates what brings honor and acclaim and thus a strong sense of well-being, self-esteem, and confidence. From God's perspective, then, the knowledge of Him and His purpose is by far man's most important glory. It has more value than any human, material riches an individual might labor and sacrifice to obtain.
Daily Verse and Comment
(23) Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise {and} skillful person glory {and} boast in his wisdom {and} skill; let not the mighty {and} powerful person glory {and} boast in his strength {and} power; let not the person who is rich [in physical gratification and earthly wealth] glory {and} boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] riches; (24) But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.
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— John W. Ritenbaugh
To learn more, see:
Seeking God (Part One): Our Biggest Problem
