Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Self-praise is forbidden; even when there might be reason for praise, silence is required and any praise is to be left for another person, a stranger, to give. Seeing oneself as one is belongs to this command, with far less boasting about one's own capabilities. Finite sufficiency is not to be relied upon, but there is to be falling upon the Rock and being broken in dependence upon the Mighty One.
Self-praise and self-esteem reveal the lack of thorough conversion and a new life, are unwholesome to oneself and to one's family, and place the soul in danger of being lost. Self-praise takes away from the worth of even the best efforts. Praise coming from apparent friends can be more dangerous than reproach, because it can flatter and mislead.
The tongue is to be used to report any good that can be said of another, educated to speak pleasant words, with never a murmuring and faultfinding spirit indulged, and with rejoicing in truth rather than in iniquity. Hereditary and cultivated faults of character are to be overcome, fellow believers are to be drawn near to, respected and loved, and confidence rather than suspicion is to be cultivated. Keeping this command means becoming a humble Christian who cherishes in the heart the truth that works by love and purifies the soul, who bears the fruit of a good tree, and who learns how eternal life is gained by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God.
As self-denial, the command applies to carrying out responsibilities and service faithfully for God and not to win applause, credit, or recognition, remaining silent when self could be praised and letting others give the praise. Even when others do not appreciate or acknowledge the efforts, the work is to be continued.
Self-praise is forbidden; even when there might be reason for praise, silence is required and any praise is to be left for another person, a stranger, to give. Seeing oneself as one is belongs to this command, with far less boasting about one's own capabilities. Finite sufficiency is not to be relied upon, but there is to be falling upon the Rock and being broken in dependence upon the Mighty One.
Self-praise and self-esteem reveal the lack of thorough conversion and a new life, are unwholesome to oneself and to one's family, and place the soul in danger of being lost. Self-praise takes away from the worth of even the best efforts. Praise coming from apparent friends can be more dangerous than reproach, because it can flatter and mislead.
The tongue is to be used to report any good that can be said of another, educated to speak pleasant words, with never a murmuring and faultfinding spirit indulged, and with rejoicing in truth rather than in iniquity. Hereditary and cultivated faults of character are to be overcome, fellow believers are to be drawn near to, respected and loved, and confidence rather than suspicion is to be cultivated. Keeping this command means becoming a humble Christian who cherishes in the heart the truth that works by love and purifies the soul, who bears the fruit of a good tree, and who learns how eternal life is gained by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God.
As self-denial, the command applies to carrying out responsibilities and service faithfully for God and not to win applause, credit, or recognition, remaining silent when self could be praised and letting others give the praise. Even when others do not appreciate or acknowledge the efforts, the work is to be continued.