21 As a crucible refines silver,
and a smelter refines gold,
so a person should refine his praise. (Proverbs 27:21 CSB)

We need to run everything through the filter of humbleness.

It may seem like we go through life and rarely receive any praise and people thrive on praise. But it is what we do with it when received that is critical. We should not allow it to puff us up, but should thank God for His hand in what has been said about us. For truly it is only through His grace that we receive praise at all, and all is due back to Him.

It is not wrong to allow praise to motivate and drive us if we are understanding the true source. In fact, as long as it does not become pride, motivation from praise is important in our lives. Even with our children there must be a balance between discipline and praise. Too much can either break a spirit or be cause for insufferable pride and arrogance.

Enjoy praise but enjoy more the gift that has been given through Christ of sharing in it in humbleness.