The Fire of Praise
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 27:21
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.
What is said about a man, whether true or not, has a powerful effect on him. It is irrelevant what is said, just that he hears it and responds to it. His response is revealing. When criticized does his pride cause a violent revolt? Does he lash out? Does he hear it and ask whether it is true? If it is true, does he repent and reconcile?
It isn’t criticism alone that has this power. Praise does as well. Praise, the proverb says, is like fire to silver and gold. It tests a man. His reaction and response to praise reveal the degree of dross still in his soul. Is he humble? Is he thankful? Does he receive it with grace? Does it puff him up and make him think more highly of himself than he ought? Does he, as it has been said, read his own press clippings?
It is often not the details of the praise of a man that tells us about him. It is how he reacts and responds to the praise that is more revealing than the specifics of what is said.