Parenting by the Book
STUDY 315
Text: Proverbs 27
8 July 2007
Dear Parents,
SELF-PRAISE
The old dictum, “Self-praise is no praise” is what the following text has in mind.
Let another man praise you,
and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.Proverbs 27:2
How should we understand this text? Let us consider the following thoughts:-
1. Is praise wrong altogether?
a) The answer is “No”.
b) Praise is welcome:-
i) If something is praise-worthy.
ii) If the words of praise come out of genuine admiration.
iii) Praise can bring a great lift to the heart.
2. Self-praise
a) This is disdained (for obvious reasons).
b) It could be a form of boasting.
c) It could be self-delusion.
d) It serves little or no purpose.
3. Praise from others
a) Others may offer praise.
b) The praise of a stranger is not unwelcome.
c) Praise is an indication of a job well-done.
By all means, enjoy praise given by genuine well-wishers. But never indulge in self-praise!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie