June 22 - Detour The Praise.

Proverbs 27:21
“As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.”
 
How we handle the praise we receive speaks much of our character.
 
Proverbs 17:3
“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.”
 
Vain men desire praise.
Matthew 6:2
“Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
 
Proud men praise themselves.
John 7:18
“He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.”
 
Weak men are puffed up by praise.
1 Corinthians 4:6
“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”
 
Wise men detour praise to the Only One worthy to receive it.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”
 
Praise can make us or break us; it builds or destroys our character.
As we detour the praise we receive to the Lord, it encourages us to retain our integrity and desire to diligently improve ourselves for His glory.
 
 
Bible Reading:
1 Chronicles 7-8  |  Ephesians 5  |  Proverbs 22