Proverbs 27:2: Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
Insight
Praise is sweet music, but it never sounds well when it comes from your own mouth. If it comes from another person’s mouth, it is a pleasant sound to everyone who hears it. Praise is a rich treasure, but it will never make you rich unless someone else says it. Indeed, unless we have to vindicate our character, or unless our Master’s honor is at stake, nothing so degrades a man with his fellowmen as setting out his own praise. Let another praise you. We will lose nothing by this self-renouncing spirit. If our mouth is silent, someone else will speak to praise us. Recognizing the fact that we are so far from being really humble is enough to make us deeply humble. 1
Application
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
The best way to measure the level of humility in your life is to stand next to Jesus and try to impress Him. Of course, that should seem like a very foolish thing to do. Humility is seen when your life is more about Him and less about you.
Motivation
For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:18
Jesus is not asking you to make an impression, rather He is wanting you to reveal the impression that He has made on your life. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please make me more like you, day by day.
1. Bridges, C. (2001). Proverbs. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
