1 LET not the wise his wisdom boast,
The mighty glory in his might,
The rich in flattering riches trust,
Which take their everlasting flight.
The rush of numerous years bears down
The most gigantic strength of man;
And where is all his wisdom gone,
When dust he turns to dust again?
2 One only gift can justify
The boasting soul that knows his God;
When Jesus doth his blood apply,
I glory in his sprinkled blood.
The Lord my Righteousness I praise;
I triumph in the love divine,
The wisdom, wealth, and strength of grace,
In Christ to endless ages mine.
Let Not The Wise His Wisdom Boast Video
Let Not The Wise His Wisdom Boast Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Let Not The Wise His Wisdom Boast by Charles Wesley is a hymn that reflects on the futility of worldly wisdom, strength, and riches, and emphasizes the need to find true glory and righteousness in Christ.
Key Messages of the Song:
The song begins with the reminder not to boast in wisdom or might, or to trust in fleeting riches that will eventually fade away. It acknowledges that even the most powerful and wise individuals are subject to the passage of time and the inevitability of death. This sets the stage for the main message of the song - the need to find true glory and righteousness in Christ alone.
The hymn then shifts to a declaration of the believer's justification through the sprinkled blood of Jesus. It is through the application of Jesus' blood that we can find our true righteousness and glory. This message is reinforced by the refrain "I glory in his sprinkled blood," which highlights the central theme of the song.
The third verse emphasizes the desire to have God at our right hand, guiding and directing our lives. The believer longs to find God's presence in all their thoughts, words, and actions, and to offer all their works to Him. This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and surrendering to His will in all aspects of life.
The fourth verse focuses on the desire to bear the yoke of Christ, to watch and pray continually, and to keep our eyes fixed on eternal things. It highlights the need to prioritize our relationship with God above all else and to eagerly anticipate the coming of His glorious day.
The final verse expresses the believer's desire to delightfully employ all the gifts and resources that God has graciously given them. It speaks of running the race of faith with joy and walking closely with God until we reach our heavenly home.
Meaning and Inspiration of the Song:
The song "Let Not The Wise His Wisdom Boast" by Charles Wesley is a powerful reminder of the emptiness of worldly wisdom, strength, and riches. It encourages believers to find their true worth and righteousness in Christ alone. The inspiration for this hymn likely comes from the biblical passage found in 1 Corinthians 1:31, which says, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." Wesley's lyrics echo this sentiment and call believers to place their confidence and glory in the redemptive work of Christ.
The song serves as a reminder that no matter how wise, strong, or wealthy we may be in this world, all our achievements and possessions will eventually fade away. It is only through the blood of Jesus that we can find true justification and eternal glory. The hymn encourages believers to humbly acknowledge their dependence on God and to find their identity and worth in Him alone.
Critical Analysis of Biblical Foundation:
The song "Let Not The Wise His Wisdom Boast" is firmly rooted in biblical truth. It aligns with several key teachings found in the Bible.
Firstly, the song echoes the teachings of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, Paul writes, "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God." This passage emphasizes the futility of worldly wisdom and strength and highlights the need to find our boasting and glory in God alone.
Secondly, the emphasis on the sprinkled blood of Jesus as the source of justification and righteousness aligns with biblical teachings on salvation. In Romans 3:24-25, Paul writes, "and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith." The concept of justification through Christ's blood is a central theme in the New Testament and is beautifully expressed in Wesley's hymn.
Lastly, the desire to bear the yoke of Christ, to watch and pray, and to keep our focus on eternal things is consistent with biblical teachings on discipleship. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." The hymn encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to live in a manner that reflects their commitment to Him.
In conclusion, "Let Not The Wise His Wisdom Boast" by Charles Wesley is a powerful hymn that reminds believers of the futility of worldly wisdom, strength, and riches. It calls us to find our true glory and righteousness in Christ alone. The song's biblical foundation is evident through its alignment with teachings on boasting in the Lord, justification through Christ's blood, and the call to discipleship. As we sing this hymn, may we be reminded to humbly surrender our wisdom and accomplishments to God and find our true worth and identity in Him alone.
