The danger of praise

Scripture

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise. (Proverbs 27:21 ESV)

The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each is tested by the praise accorded him. (Proverbs 27:21 NASB)

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise. (Proverbs 27:21 NIV)

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him. (Proverbs 27:21 NKJV)

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised. (Proverbs 27:21 NLT)

As the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold, so is a man to his praise. (Proverbs 27:21 MEV)

Observation

1. Silver and gold are tested and so am I.

2. I am tested by how I respond when I am praised by others.

Application

1. Keep myself humble.

2. Don't let my identity be tied to what people think of me.

3. Don't get discouraged when I do not receive praise.  Don't allow praise to be the motivation behind what I do.

4. Desire God's praise more than man's.

Prayer

May your acceptance of me be what matters to me.   May  I live to please you and you alone.