How to Praise Others and How to Receive Praise

The Bible commands us to not be prideful of our own selves and also not boast about our actions. Proverbs 27:2 says, "Let another man praise thee, and no thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips." Many times a man, woman, or child will boast of how wonderful they are or how talented they are. Nevertheless, our mouths should not say how "good" and "righteous" we are, because the Lord is looking for a humble spirit. In the first book of Corinthians, chapter 26:31 clearly states, "Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord." Therefore, we are encouraged greatly to be prideful and boastful of one very important subject, Jesus Christ! We can blamelessly talk of Jesus every second, although with a low spirit. If someone were to praise our character, then we should not just accept those words of kindness, however, say something in return and praise the one who taught you that character quality. Nevertheless, we need to be careful and alert on how we use our voice when we praise the character and or the attitude of family, friends, or others. Proverbs 27:14 wisely states, "He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him." In other words, if we were to purposely praise others with flattery because we want a word or two in return, then those words which we spoke are actually striking as pain like a snake whose poison hurts the inner soul. "At the last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder," thus says Proverbs 23:32. If we want to praise others, then it should be done with a humble heart and not expecting words in return. A humble heart and character will the Lord praise! "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit." (Proverbs 29:23)