The Praise Test
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. Proverbs 27:2 (KJV)
We don’t have to toot our own horns or praise ourselves. People will see who we are by our actions rather than what we say about ourselves. We don’t have to be noticed through self-proclamation. People will honor us; we don’t need to honor ourselves. God will cause others to see our callings, gifts, talents if we allow Him to. Once they see, praise will come. When we do a good job we need to give others time to notice and compliment us; we don’t need to fish for compliments. Who we are will shine forth and praise will come, maybe even promotion. Remember that promotion comes from God, not from ourselves.
As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. Proverbs 27:21 (KJV)
When we do receive praise from others, it will test our hearts, our character, our motives to see how we will respond. When praised, will we say thank you to them and to God? The way we treat praise and compliments reveals our level of maturity. It is a praise test- how will we handle it? Whatever we go through will refine us if we let it. Praise can refine us- making us humble or prideful. When someone praises us, we must be careful to give glory back to God. If we don’t it shows we need more refining. The fire may have to burn more pride out of us so true humility will come forth.
Remember not to seek praise- let others praise or honor you. Make sure you handle it right by always giving God the praise. The more praise you give back to Him, the higher He can take you. Things get better and better each time you pass the praise test.
