2 Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—
a stranger, not your own lips.
We've all had the unpleasant experience of listening to someone touting their good deeds and their abilities to all who will listen. I don't mean a simple recounting of events...I mean a constant and elaborate retelling that is obviously overboard. Many times in doing the telling a person ignores others or even makes fun of the efforts of others. Here wisdom tells us in effect, "Don't toot your own horn." It is often obvious that the person is insecure despite the outward appearance of blustery confidence. Unwittingly they become the object of scorn or people consciously trying to avoid them. You may find yourself in this category as you take inventory of your words. Stopping the behavior is good...but also taking great time and care to understand your value in Christ ( a great way is by doing a study of the phrase in Christ) is essential.
On the other hand our society has lost sight of the idea of being thankful to the people that matter in our lives. We take things for granted and rarely tell someone what they mean to us. Many times we are so much into our self and our own circumstances that the second half of the verse becomes a low priority. We should all look for opportunities to genuinely complement others in our life. Has someone in a retail store been especially helpful to you? Tell the manager how much you appreciate the person (of course tell them too). Do you have friends who have stuck with you in hard times....think back...have you told them about how thankful you are for their love? When my boys were little I used to tell the boys in front of my husband things like, "Did you see how sweet Daddy was to Mommy today...he...." They loved it and Pastor John loved it too. Purpose to be thankful out loud. Let the people in your life know without a shadow of a doubt that you are thankful and appreciative of all they do.
Take 3 steps today.
Step one: Don't tout what you did today to others. Even if you moved the world so to speak.
Step two: Make an concentrated effort to let those who have been instrumental in your life know what you appreciate about them. Don't just say thank you. Make a list of specific things you are thankful for and tell them about it somehow. You could write a letter, email them, give them a call or tell them face to face.
Step three: Notice something good about someone whom you may not know well but nonetheless effected you because of their kindness. The other day a lady at a service center...smiled and said today is such a nice day outside....enjoy. Somehow she really cheered my day.
There are a lot of wonderful verses in chapter 27 I'm believing Holy Spirit is going to be faithful to speak a wonderful word to you today.
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