Proverbs 27
Verse 1:
Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
A great reminder, also found in the Book of James
Verse 17:
As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
Love this verse! Totally true and a great reason to have close brothers in Christ who can keep me accountable. I’m talking to my groomsmen here!
Verse 19:
As water reflects a face,
so a man’s heart reflects the man.
Deep wisdom in this statement. If only men were more apt to share their hearts.
Verse 21:
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but man is tested by the praise he receives.
I often think this is true, especially for people who have a public face in Church, particularly pastors, worship leaders, emcees, etc. It’s easy to get a lot of praise in positions like that. Even as a worship leader, I’ve been tested by the praise I receive. That’s why when people in such positions do a good job, rather than telling them “Worship was awesome tonight” or “That was a great sermon” I prefer the approach of thanking them for their time, efforts, service, or ministry to the church. Then it goes from being praise (which may or may not be construed as taking glory from God) to a statement of thankfulness.
Even in my own experiences as a worship leader, I’ve found it much easier to give praise to God when people make similar comments to me.