Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. ~ Proverbs 27:2

In a world where social media is king, this verse is becoming harder and harder to heed. It’s so easy to get online and proclaim our accomplishments, post photos of ourselves with celebrities, or with awards. It’s so easy to boast and brag about all that we have done.

Praise from the mouth of another is comely and appropriate. Praise of ourselves by ourselves, isn’t. We have all known someone who bragged on themselves or who sought out  praise from others. I’m fairly certain we have also been guilty of these charges ourselves. But even if we have kept silent about our perceived goodness, we have thought it about ourselves. “I look great tonight!” or “No one could have done this the way I just did it!” These thoughts are the beginning of self-praising words. These thoughts are just as prideful as the spoken words would be.

Many of my posts in this series have been about words, because that is my weakness. This one is no different. How often have I, without thinking, naturally slid into praising myself while talking to someone!

The only solution to this dilemma is to humble myself before God and seek His forgiveness. I must remember that without Christ , I am nothing! I would be bound for Hell were it not for Him! Even now, my righteousness is as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6) Now there’s a Facebook status: “Just want everyone to know – all that I have done is but filthy rags.” At least that would be a true statement. I want to recall often the words of John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30. May it be so, Lord, in me.