Why is it important to avoid self-praise according to Proverbs 27:2? The Text Itself “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” – Proverbs 27:2 What the Verse Immediately Teaches • Real commendation should come from “another” or even “a stranger,” not from oneself. • The command is stated twice, heightening its seriousness. • Self-praise is not merely unwise; it is prohibited. Why Avoid Self-Praise? • It steals glory that belongs to God, the true source of every gift (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Pride sets us against the Lord, who “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Boasting reveals a trusting in self rather than in God’s approval (2 Corinthians 10:17-18). • Self-promotion stirs envy and division, harming fellowship (Philippians 2:3). • Silence about our own achievements allows genuine, unbiased testimony to surface, lending credibility that bragging can never secure. Scriptures That Echo the Same Wisdom • Proverbs 25:27 – “It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.” • Psalm 75:6-7 – “Exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the desert, but God is the Judge; He brings one down and exalts another.” • Jeremiah 9:23-24 – “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom... but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me.” • Luke 18:14 – “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” • 1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” The Spiritual Dangers of Self-Praise • Inflated pride blinds us to sin and need of grace. • We forfeit God’s endorsement and invite His humbling. • Our witness is weakened; outsiders see arrogance rather than Christ’s humility. • We cultivate a praise-addicted heart, always needing the spotlight. Practical Ways to Live This Out • Let achievements be discovered naturally; resist “casual” mentions. • Redirect compliments: “Praise God—He enabled me.” • Invite accountability partners who can speak encouragement without flattery. • Celebrate others’ successes; cheering them shifts focus off self. • When necessary to share an accomplishment (e.g., résumé, testimony), state facts modestly and frame them as evidence of God’s grace. Blessings of Keeping Quiet About Yourself • God Himself steps in to vindicate and honor you (Luke 14:11). • Relationships deepen because humility fosters trust and approachability. • The church is edified as glory goes where it belongs—upward, not inward. • Peace replaces the exhausting cycle of self-promotion and comparison. Summary in a Sentence We avoid self-praise because God commands it, opposes the proud, and promises to honor the humble; letting others speak for us keeps the glory on Him, protects our hearts, and strengthens our testimony. |
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