I knew a woman once who discouraged people from complimenting her. She wanted to remain humble and not be affected by it. Honestly, I thought it was the silliest thing I ever heard. Although I appreciated the initial response to avoid pride, I didn’t understand why she needed to express her disapproval to someone who found her work inspiring.
Proverbs 27:2 says, “Let a stranger praise you, and not your own mouth; A foreigner, and not your own lips.” Also, 1Thessalonians 5:14 states, “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” Thus, telling people not to say nice things about you embarrasses the well-intentioned person who saw the need to follow these passages and inspire you to continue a job well done.
Therefore, we can say that the compliment is not the issue here. It’s what we do with it. Verse 21 of the same chapter states, “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold, and each is tested by the praise accorded him.” If we understand v.21 correctly, the passage juxtaposes the grueling fire that melts fine metals with the fire that tests the heart when it receives praise.
Based on Ernest Lucas’ The Two Horizons OT Commentary – Proverbs, “Verse 21 repeats 17:3, but in this case, the assayer is not the Lord but other people. The meaning of v.21b is a little ambiguous, perhaps deliberately. It could mean that how a person responds to praise is a test of character or that a person’s character is shown by the amount and nature of praise they get from others.”
Have you ever wondered why compliments catch you off guard at the strangest times? According to Proverbs 27:21, it’s a test. What will you do with it? Will you internalize it? Rehearse the statement so you can tell others. Allow it to stroke a worn and tired spirit, or will you bathe in the praise and allow it to permeate your thoughts continually?
Most believers have undergone a trial that has brought them down and weakened their faith. But when a friend comes and says, “Boy, you’ve been through a lot, but you handled it so well. You’re a superhero!” your spirit lifts, and your suffering doesn’t seem too bad now. Encouraging words that stroke your inner being are the most delicious treats one can offer another.
But how does Christ want us to respond?
First Corinthians 1:30-31says, “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, ‘Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.’”
Then Jeremiah 9:24, “But let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”
That is where the crux lies. You can give God the glory or allow the words to dwell in your heart. Next time someone gives you a word of confidence, thank them; there’s no malintent in their generous words. Then give God the glory for enabling you to act godly, respond in love, and let it solidify the gift he has bestowed on you to serve the body.
A Tree Firmly Planted 