19TH OCTOBER

PRAISE IS A FIRE

“The crucible is for silver, and

 the furnace is for gold but

man is tested by the praise he receives.”

(Proverbs 27:21)

Both silver and gold are refined by melting in high heat, adding some chemicals that will remove the impurities while cooling in the mould. This process of heating and cooling may be done several times to result in optimum purity.

It is surprising that praise for man is compared to this heating process. As fire refines, so also can it be destructive. In the same way that praise can refine a man so that he works harder, with greater integrity and purity, so also can man be so swayed by praise that he becomes proud and haughty, and that can be destructive.

Praise is a test or a process of valuation of man’s character. What is our attitude to praise? Man desires praise but do we go to any extent to receive praise or do we receive it humbly and work harder? It is demoralising for any person not to be acknowledged for the good they do, so we should all learn to encourage one another with our praise. This is especially important between husband and wife, as well as parents and children.

I know a girl who had received a lot of praise in her childhood from her parents for her beauty and intelligence. In adulthood, she used praises from people for these same God-given gifts as opportunities for evangelism, rather than allow pride and haughtiness in her life.

We should take note of these words of John Wooden: “Talent is God-given, be humble; fame is man-given, be grateful; conceit is self-given, be careful.”

ACTION: What special gifts, abilities or characteristics do people praise you for? Remember to ascribe all glory to God Almighty.

PRAYER: Lord, please, keep me humble despite the successes coming from the use of the talents and gifts you have given me.