Jeremiah 9 warns us not to boast about our wisdom, strength, or wealth. When we trust in ourselves, it may boost our self-esteem for a while, but it can’t give us lasting security. Only grace can do that.

The trouble is, boasting only lasts as long as what we boast about. Over time, our wisdom fades, our strength weakens, and our wealth disappears. When those things are gone, our self-esteem falls too.

That’s why Scripture says, “Let the one who boasts boast in this: that they know Me” (Jeremiah 9:24). Knowing God gives us a new kind of self-esteem—one we receive, not earn. It’s based on relationship, not performance, and it frees us from always trying to prove ourselves.

Here’s the truth: self-esteem based on ourselves will always wear us out, but finding our identity in Christ brings peace, joy, and rest.

We let go of false sources of worth not just because they are wrong, but because they aren’t enough. Jesus offers us something better.

Lord, free me from false sources of identity and teach me to rest and remain in Christ, living from Your love instead of striving for worth.