“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2 ESV).
In this modern era of social media and self-promotion, this proverb seems out of place. Yet self aggrandizement is still unwise. For if you praise yourself, others will not only remain silent, they will think you immodest. Indeed, self-praise often reveals low self-esteem.
Praise from a friend is good and as the proverb declares, praise from a stranger is better still. Perhaps an even greater approach is to consider the words of the New Testament’s book of proverbs, the book of James, which says to “humble yourself, so that the Lord Himself might lift you up” (James 4:10). Better the applause of the One, than the many, or your own.
Seeking the approval of Jesus, we can say with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). We can say, “More of Jesus, less of me.” This is the greatest wisdom for self-esteem. Not to think more of self, nor less, but to stop thinking of self at all. Instead, we can look to abide in Christ, so that we have His mind on self and others. For to have the mind of Christ is to “esteem others as better than ourselves” (Phil. 2:3).
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for speaking more highly of ourselves than we ought. Forgive us for not speaking more of Jesus. We sometimes feel under valued and under appreciated. We want to be noticed. We desire the spotlight. We seek our own glory. Yet, You desire a humble heart in us. Help us today, Lord, to speak less and listen more. Help us to have the mind of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.