July 16, 2017 (Proverbs 27:21)

“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives” (Prov 27:21, NIV). There are relatively few experiences which are able to test the character of a man like the manner in which he receives praise from others. It’s a test that will quickly serve to demonstrate whether a person is living to please God or for the sake of self-glory. In the former instance, humility will be manifested whereas pride is the order of the day in the latter case. The goal of the righteous will always be directed to exalting the name of Jesus and bringing glory to the Father in heaven. But the natural heart is always prone to deception, and it is common that a successful endeavor resulting in praise leads to mixed feelings in the sense of both having pride and wanting God to be glorified at the same time. But it is important to keep in mind that God is jealous and never intends to share His glory with man. Thus it is the purity of one’s heart can be severely tested at times when man’s effort results in an incredible event. In those situations, it does very well for us to remember that praise is much like perfume; it smells lovely on the outside, but can lead to very serious complications whenever swallowed.