One Year Bible Reading Guide:

Ezekiel 10:1-11:25
Hebrews 6:1-20
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 27:1-2 

Verse of the day:

Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—a stranger, not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:2)

Solomon has much to say about the words that should and should not come out of our mouths. In this proverb we are warned against praising ourselves.

We’ve all felt the urge to talk ourselves up to others. Perhaps we like to talk about what a great mom or dad we are based on our extraordinary and beautiful kids. Or we love to discuss the promotions that keep coming our way at work. Or we like to share the flex-selfie after a good workout. All of this in moderation really isn’t a big deal but when we develop a reputation of focusing on and praising ourselves we are not operating in the spirit of Christ.

Max Lucado says that demanding respect is like chasing a butterfly. Chase it and you’ll never catch it. Sit still, and it may land on your shoulder. 

The French philosopher Blaise Pascal [1623-1662] asked, “Do you wish people to speak well of you? Then never speak well of yourself.”

Instead of praising ourselves, Solomon says let a stranger do this. A stranger is not referring to your mom, your spouse or a close friend but rather someone who doesn’t know you well; someone who sees you from a distance. A stranger’s praise may not always be accurate but it will always hold more weight than if we boast in ourselves. Refuse to be your own press agent; let other people handle the job for you.