Thursday, April 08, 2010

Tested By Praise

In Proverbs 27.21, this morning (I LOVE Proverbs). We are tested [tested as silver and gold is tested in a crucible, i.e. the dross is separated to see if there is any true silver or gold] by how we handle praise.

The Preacher's Commentary (which doesn't get any love from preachers and I'm not exactly sure why) gets it exactly correct: There are not wanting men in modern days who uphold the maxim, Vox populi, vox Dei. Septuagint, “The action of fire is a test for silver and gold, so a man is tested by the mouth of them that praise him.” No surer test of a man’s true character can be found than his behaviour under praise; many men are spoiled by it. If a man comes forth from it without injury, not rendered vain, or blind to his defects, or disdainful of others, his disposition is good, and the commendation lavished upon him may be morally and spiritually beneficial.

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