The Danger of Praise (Proverbs 27:21)
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Proverbs 27:21
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and a man is tested by his praise.
This verse is eerily similar to Proverbs 17:3, which we prayed through a month ago.
That verse reads: ‘The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and the Lord tests hearts.’
Proverbs 17:3 is talking about how the Lord will refine us – how He will strip away what’s impure, test what’s real, and purify our hearts. Proverbs 27:21, in slight difference, is telling us how praise often reveals what’s real – it shows our true character – and it reveals the pureness of our hearts.
From this verse, we can see two big truths about praise, and there’s also a third insight that’s worth reflecting on.
One, you will know the character of a man by how he receives praise. It really does reveal a lot about someone, and what’s surprising is that praise can actually be a bigger test than hardship. James 1 talks a lot about trials, but it also reminds us that being rich and blessed can be just as challenging as being poor and struggling. Why? Because success can test our hearts just as much as suffering does.
Two, you can also learn a lot about a man by what he praises. What does he exult in? What receives his praise? I think a great example I’d throw out there for men is sports… it’s crazy how the same men who refuse to show any emotion during a worship song, looking like they just got tagged in a game of freeze tag, are the same ones hooting and hollering and going nuts at a basketball or football game.
Now, that’s not me saying you shouldn’t go nuts at sports games. I was just losing my mind (and voice) at the UNC/Duke game a few days ago. BUT, my point is, you can learn a lot about a man by what he praises.
And then a third implication from this verse, a more unique viewpoint I’d say but still a valuable lesson we can learn, is that it would be wise for a person to treat praise like a refiner treats silver or gold. To carefully filter out its impurities, to remove any pride, flattery, or even falsehood from it, and keep only what is valuable and offer that to the Lord.
I could keep going, and in many ways I want to, but I’ll stop short there and just say this is a verse that serves as such a strong reminder of the peril that is found in praise.
The praise of man is dangerous. We need to be careful in giving praise and arguably even more so in receiving it.
At the end of the day, there’s only one name worthy of praise, and that’s Jesus. And it’s a verse like this that reminds my forgetful self to cast all of the glory unto Him.
So in reflecting on this verse today, ask yourself:
How do I receive praise? When I get praised, do I downplay it with fake humility, or do I secretly crave more?
Next time someone praises me, how can I redirect the glory to God?
