October 1, Proverbs 27
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.
- Proverbs 27:21
Years ago, I sat beside an older preacher I held in high esteem at a service where he was to speak. The man introducing him went to some length in listing my friend's accomplishments and credentials. Sitting there waiting patiently for the introduction to end so the message could begin, he kept quietly telling himself, "No, No, No." I asked him about it later. He told me a sermon was ruined when the person who introduces the speaker says too much to build up the preacher. He said no one could live up the expectations created by such an introduction.
This man was one of the finest Bible scholars and best preachers I've ever known. He was skilled in handling the Hebrew and Greek texts, and could speak with authority about them. But he also knew how to relate to common folks in the pew as well as address his fellow professors in the colleges. He had an amazing memory. And he was one of the most humble men I've ever known.
He had to negate to himself all those wonderful things being said about him in the introduction, so he could be humble and not full of himself when he got up to speak. His gentle humility was not swayed by flowery praise.
On another occasion, I was present when he was being attacked by some mean-spirited critics from one of those universities. They were were criticizing, accusing and misrepresenting what he had written, what he taught and what he believed. I had lunch with him between the morning and afternoon sessions of this shameful event. During lunch I said he needed to defend himself and answer his harsh critics. He told me, "No, they mean well." I replied that they did not mean well at all. And he said, "Let's pray for them."
Our text says that “a man is tested by his praise,” just as intense heat tests the purity of a precious metal. The brother I admired so much passed the praise test with flying colors. He was swayed neither by overflowing praise nor by mean-spirited attacks. He remained humble through both.
What a contrast to another man I knew who could not say enough good things about himself. He turned any opportunity to speak into an extended boasting session, telling everyone how wonderful he was and what mighty works he had accomplished. By his self-aggrandizing boasting, he failed the praise test suggested by another verse in this chapter: "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips" (verse 2).
Would you agree with me that we enjoy compliments more than criticisms? Our hearts really are tested by our reaction to praise. I hope I've made some progress from my younger years when I was not as humble as I should be. But I know myself, and know I like to be affirmed and approved. It is dangerous to crave and seek praise from others. Jesus said the desire for praise from other people ruins acts of benevolence, prayer and self-denial (Matthew 6). Some Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus were afraid to confess their faith lest they be put out of the synagogue. John explained that they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God (John 12:42-43). Paul said if his aim was to please man, he would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10).
As ugly and obvious as pride appears to be in others, we must be vigilant lest we, too, test positive for pride when we are praised. When I read that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble, I know I want to pass the praise test.
Copyright © 2021 by Michael B. McElroy. Used
by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—October 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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