Daily Devotional
               Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible.   

  The Wisdom of God

Verses for the Day:  

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

Proverbs 27:2 (AMP): Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Thoughts for the Day:

This verse from Proverbs tells that we should not brag about our own accomplishments, but allow others to notice them and speak our praise. People react to those who are braggadocios in a negative manner.  It is uncomfortable to be around those who pridefully talk about all their own endeavors. The Bible tells us, as Christians, to lift one another up in encouragement and praise. We should be mindful of what others are doing and thank them and bless them when they are doing a good job. We should also honor one another when the occasion calls for it.

Romans 12:10: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.

Corporations have found that their employees do a better job when they are given praise for their good performance.  They even instruct their management teams not to overlook a worker's accomplishments, but to give honor and praise to them for a job well done. This is a good policy as long as it is honest and sincere praise and appreciation, and not done with the wrong motives to manipulate workers. Those in positions of authority have the duty to praise good workers that do well, and discipline others who perform poorly.

1 Peter 2:13-14:
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

The Lord abides by this principle also, as those who are humble in His sight, He promises to lift them up.

James 4:10: Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

The Lord tells each of us to remain humble and to be kind to each other.  He tells us to be thankful and appreciative. We should be this way with one another and of course, always toward God. If we continually live in an attitude of praise toward God, we will also be thankful and have a heart of appreciation toward those around us. People like to be around those who have a joyful nature and a grateful heart, as this kind of attitude spills over on all who know them.  A smile costs nothing, and a word of praise to those with whom we live and work is a wonderful testimony to the spirit of Christ dwelling in us.  As Christians, if we all voiced our gratefulness and appreciation to each other, no one would be without praise and honor. Every task, when it is done unto the Lord and with excellence, is worthy of praise.

Colossians 3:12-15 (AMP):
12 Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper].
13 Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].
14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].
15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, Remind me to be thoughtful and sensitive to those around me. May I always be mindful to share my thankfulness and offer praise to others.  Help me to overcome selfishness and pridefulness.  May I never be one that boasts in the things I do, but may I boast in the things You do.  I do praise You for Your goodness and kindness that You daily show me. May I also be good and kind to others by noticing their accomplishments and voicing my appreciation to them. Lord, many in the world are rude, and I do not want to be like them, but rather, I desire to be like You, and demonstrate Your kindness to others. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.