“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” Proverbs 27:2
When this verse popped into my head, my first thought was to get all preacher-mode on a person in my life whom I’ve perceived as especially boastful lately. Then God said, “uh no, Cathy. This one is for you.”
When I feel insecure and insignificant, my initial reaction is to one up the other person in the conversation by stating what I’m doing better. That doesn’t accomplish anything though but make me look foolish and possibly hurt her self esteem.
God popped this verse into my head as a reminder to be humble. I don’t think this verse is saying to crave the praises of others but simply to refrain from praising myself. Really all the focus should be on God anyway.
My goal and prayer for the coming weeks will be to remember this verse, strive to praise God with how I live, and criticize others less quickly.
