Flattery Can Get You Somewhere

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

This is another place where the KJV is better than the NASB.  It makes a literal translation and lets you, and the Holy Spirit, fill in the connections.

“Praise” (4110) is one of the great refiners of our lives.  How do we respond to it?  On the surface a simple “Thank you” is socially expected, but what goes on inside?  Do we actually believe it?  Can we accept it when it is deserved?

Praise changes us.  I would assume that it separates the dross from the pure.  It produces very real danger if not dealt with properly.  It produces beautiful results if you respond with grace.  That is the point here.  Let praise make you a better person.  The purpose of the “furnace” (3564a) is to remove the impurities.

So?  Accept the praise graciously.  Then go home and be critical and discerning.  Don’t let it go to your head but be encouraged by the part of the praise that is valid.  Expect to make progress in life to be more like Jesus.