DTEB, “Refined by Praise”

Often, Christians think that they are not allowed to be praised or to praise anyone but God.  This is true in some measure.  However, the Bible does talk about receiving and giving praise that does not directly involve God.  Take Proverbs 27:21 for example.

“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,

and a man is tested by his praise.”

Derik Kidner, in his commentary on Proverbs, writes concerning 7:21(which he labels “The crucible”)“[t]he second line in 17:3 runs ‘But the Lord trieth the hearts’. The present proverb shows one of his processes (and a man is (tried) by his praise, RV), possibly the most searching of all. The proportions of praise meted out to Saul and David in 1 Samuel 18:7 threw both men into the crucible. Cf. John 12:42, 43.

Alternative interpretations are: (a) that we stand revealed by what we praise (RV mg.); (b) that reputation is a fair guide to worth. But the crucible is for refining and preparing the metal, not for mere analysis.” (pp. 160-161)

So which way is it?  Does this proverb mean that, when we are praised, that praise tests who we really are?  Or is this verse saying that what we praise tests and refines who we are?

Both perhaps?  I can certainly see some validity to both approaches.  And I have trouble with both of them.

I can’t speak for others, but for myself, when someone praises me, I have a difficult time with it.  I know my own heart and my past, and sometimes that can get in the way of me graciously accepting praise or encouragement.  My wife and friends frequently point this out.  They’re right.

Sometimes, it is helpful if I think in terms of living up to the praise others give me.  I may or may not think that I deserve praise.  I may or may not actually deserve such praise.  But I can say, “Thank you!” and then try to live up to the praise I have already been given.

It is also helpful for recognizing that, whenever people are praising me or something I’ve done, they are really praising everyone who has ever helped me.  I am far from a self-made man.  In fact, I subscribe to the saying, “A self-made man is a poorly made man.”

Above all, I owe any goodness in me to God.  James says that “Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of Lights, in whom there is no shifting shadow.”  (James 1:17, my translation)  I don’t necessarily have to say it every time someone thanks me, but I do need to remember that any goodness in me ultimately has a divine source.

But then, there is the second approach.  What (or whom) do I praise?  This also both reveals and helps to purify the person that I am.  What I praise is what I value.  And what I value both reveals and forms who I am.

So, what or whom do I praise?  Let me make a partial listing.

• I praise my wife.
• I praise my wife’s cooking, loveliness, creativity, sense of humor, etc., etc.
• I praise my friends.
• I praise my church.
• I praise my 12-step friends, as well as the program itself.
• I praise music that I like.
• I praise God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
• But, unfortunately, I often praise things that absolutely do not deserve praise.

So, today, I am going to go through the day asking myself two questions:

1. How can I handle properly any praise or encouragement I receive?
2. What am I praising in thought, word, and deed today?