Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27. Verse 21 states, “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.” Oh how true. To purify gold and silver, you apply heat. It melts away all of the impurities and leaves pure precious metals. With humans, we too can be forged in fire (trials), but the true test, as presented in verse 21, is how we handle praise.

Everyone likes hearing their name called out (for good reasons), and that’s OK. It makes us feel good, useful, and confirms our actions. But we can take it too much to heart and let it go to our heads. It is in those times of praise, if we are not careful, that we begin to think more highly of ourselves and our abilities and forget He who gave them to us. That is why this proverb rings so true, that the true test of the core of a person is revealed through praise. We (I) start to think, “I did do a good job”, “wow, I am pretty great”, or “no one could have done it better”, then the focus shifts from glorifying God to worshiping yourself; a very sad and dangerous place to be.

Lord, please help me to use my talents for Your glory and in Your service. Help me to remember to give You the credit for using those abilities that I wouldn’t even have without You. Help me pass the test of praise by not dwelling on myself, but by passing it straight on to You. Rick.