What does praise do to us?

TODAY’S PROVERBS: A crucible is for silver and a furnace is for gold, but a person is proved by the praise he receives. Proverbs 27:21

On the surface, this proverb speaks of praise from others as a type of treasure — the praise appears to reveal the good things inside us. And that seems like a good thing.

However, if we dig a bit deeper, praise may serve another purpose. It can be a tool of refinement for us.

What do I mean by that? When we receive praise for our performance, efforts, character, or gifts, that praise can easily go to our heads. Those compliments can create “dross” in our hearts.

Now, this doesn’t mean we don’t thank others for taking the time and effort to compliment us. We should. After this we can give honor to the LORD for His goodness and direction in our life. Not as a platitude, but as a true, specific demonstration of how His purpose in our life was manifested.

How that typically works for me is I will say a thank you, then share briefly what the LORD showed me. How it was that I was able to accomplish whatever it is I’m receiving praise for. It gives me the opportunity to brag on the LORD, which I love to do.

It is in how we handle the praises given to us that we will reveal our true nature. When we can be grateful above all to our Heavenly Father, we can receive compliments in a wholesome way. We can choose that or a heart that embraces the praise as solely our own, forgetting our Creator.

A heart that is refined in the fires of gratitude, humility, and dedication to our Father and His purposes in us is a beautiful thing.

May our hearts turn praise we receive right back to our Heavenly Father, my friends.

Proverbs 27:21 Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs