Jeremiah was an unwilling prophet, unwilling because he was a man of peace, but he was called upon by Yahweh to confront the people and the rulers of Judah with their infidelity to their covenant with Yahweh. Their sins infuriated Yahweh, yet Yahweh promised them remission of their punishment if only they would repent.This was the message Jeremiah was called to preach to his people again and again, but to no avail. His only reward was much suffering and mental anguish, as his pleas were rejected.

In the passage we read today, he points out the difference between the wicked and the just. He warns the wicked of the curse that could fall on them for their sin of turning away from Yahweh, but promises the just of blessings for their trust in Yahweh. He prophesies doom for those whose false hearts He can read through and through.

The contrast between the just and the wicked is replicated in the parable Jesus tells His disciples about the rich man and Lazarus.

This parable was obviously directed at the Pharisees who believed that a man's material success and economic standing were the rewards he gains from Yahweh for a virtuous life. With this parable, Jesus demolished this belief, and showed them that riches could make one uncaring for others. The love of others rather than of self is what God approves of, or as Jeremiah put it: the man who puts his trust in the Lord is the one who is blessed.