Proverbs 27: 21
“The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each is tested by the praise accorded him.”
Read that verse again… There is a curve ball in this passage that, if you’re not careful, you will miss. It speaks of being tested in a furnace, which most assume is describing difficult times … but that assumption is incorrect… The test referred to in this verse is the PRAISE we receive from others.
Most of us don’t view receiving compliments as risky… which is what makes them hazardous. We don’t recognize adulation from others as dangerous, yet this verse tells us we are evaluated by how we react to it. We acknowledge that excessive praise can mislead others yet readily accept things we want to believe about ourselves.
This verse applies to individuals and to the Church as a whole… When under persecution the church is lean, focused, and ready for action. But when not being challenged, the church can become dull and lazy. Individually, we react in the same way…. When we are under fire, we cling to our Savior and spend time with Him and His word. But when we are commended by others, we tend to become self-impressed and pursue man’s approval instead of God’s.
What about you? How do you respond to praise? Consider that question and answer it honestly, knowing that God is not fooled by false humility, and sees your heart clearly.
Do you pass all praise on to your creator? Is your default reaction gratitude to God for whatever success comes your way… or do you sometimes think God should be appreciative of your effort and abilities?
If you are wise, you will receive compliments cautiously. It is wonderful to be appreciated and loved by others, but it is dangerous for you to enthusiastically embrace their flattery. Self-aggrandizement and self-abasement are two sides of the same coin, and they both have the same problem… “self”.
You must decrease and He must increase. The beauty of a painting is created solely by the talent of the Artist. You were created, from nothing, by the greatest Artist of all time. Keep that in mind the next time you’re complimented, and you won’t get tripped up wondering where the beauty in your life comes from.
"Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."
- C.S. Lewis
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