Loading... LET ANOTHER MAN PRAISE THEE - Proverbs 27:2
Monday, June 30th, 2008Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
How many times does God need to say this point in order for you to understand it? Throughout the scriptures, God makes it clear that HE does not want any pride to be in you. It was pride that caused Satan to rebel against God. It was pride that caused Adam and Eve to sin in the garden. It is pride that will destroy your relationship with God very quickly.
God desires that you learn how to deflect praise. When others give you the opportunity to sing your own praises; rather than praise yourself for all the great things you have done, you need to praise others and how they have enabled you to do great things.
You may need to give praise to God. You may need to give praise to spouse. You may need to give praise to a family member. You may need to give praise to a boss or a co-worker. You may need to give praise to a teacher. Whoever you need to praise, start thinking about letting others know just how great other people are in assisting you.
When you make an effort to praise others, they do not need to praise themselves. If they are hearing that you are praising them for their part in your life, why do they need to go around and gather praise for themselves? When someone else hears you praise them, it will go a long way to cause them to want to help you succeed even more.
When was the last time you praised someone to another person? When was the last time you went out of your way to make sure you acknowledged the involvement of someone in your life? When was the last time you gave someone a good complement?
It is a proven fact that people cooperate more when they are praised verses when all they hear is complaining. It is like the old proverb, you will catch more flys with honey then vinegar. By being nice to others and singing their praise, they will be more willing to help you then if all they hear is you complaining about how you cannot do the job as well as they can.
When Solomon died and his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne, the people came to him and asked him to make their burden lighter. They requested that Rehoboam make conditions better for them and they would serve him faithfully. However, Rehoboam followed the advice of his peers and he insisted on treating the people as slaves. Because Rehoboam refused to treat those under him as people, the number of individuals he had to do his bidding greatly diminished. Furthermore, because the nation split, he did not have the same tax base to do all the wonderful things he desires to do.
Do you desire to be great and do great things? Start putting the needs of others first. Do you desire to ruler over many? Then put the needs of others first. As you look out for others, they will be more likely to work under you and to help make you what you want to be.
The Bible has many practical tips on how you should live your life. God desires that you daily add knowledge of HIS way so that you will be a better light in this dark world. The more time you spend adding knowledge of the ways of God, the easier it will be for you to live your life so that others desire to follow your example. By living your life according to HIS principles, you will find true contentment for your life.