Should others praise you instead of yourself?

Understanding the Concept of Praise in Scripture

In the ancient world, praise was often offered to rulers, dignitaries, and deities. Scripture, however, places special emphasis on humility and caution regarding self-exaltation. Praise, in the biblical sense, is the act of commending or exalting someone’s character or deeds. It acknowledges value and worthiness. Yet, the Bible consistently calls individuals to refrain from overly praising themselves, pointing instead to trusting in God’s commendation and letting others provide honest and humble recognition.

Key Old Testament Teachings

1. Proverbs 27:2 – “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.”

This verse offers one of the clearest admonitions against self-praise. The wisdom literature underscores the principle that true honor or recognition is best when it comes from someone else, rather than oneself. By emphasizing humility, Proverbs encourages believers to focus on virtuous conduct, leaving any needed commendation to others.

2. Proverbs 25:6–7 – “Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; for it is better for him to say to you, ‘Come up here!’ than for you to be demoted in the presence of the prince...”

This passage calls for humility in public settings, illustrating the social and moral danger of self-promotion. Rather than press forward and create an image of one’s own greatness, it is wiser to let others acknowledge and elevate a person when appropriate.

New Testament Insights

1. 2 Corinthians 10:17–18 – “Rather, ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”

Here, the Apostle Paul teaches that self-commendation is not the means by which we gain true approval. Commendation from God has eternal significance, whereas human self-praise is short-lived. This teaching directly addresses the misplaced focus on personal pride, reminding believers to draw attention to God’s work in and through them rather than solely on themselves.

2. Luke 14:10–11 – “But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that your host will come and say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Jesus uses a parable at a banquet to show that self-promotion leads to embarrassment while humility results in true honor. This call for humility lays out a practical guideline: better to adopt a lowly position and let others promote you if you are to be honored at all.

The Dangers of Self-Praise

Self-praise can cause spiritual and social harm by cultivating pride and an inflated sense of self-importance. Scripture warns repeatedly that pride stands opposed to a humble spirit. James 4:6 states, “But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”

Spiritually, self-praise is often rooted in an attempt to secure approval and worth outside of God. Focusing on one’s own accomplishments can hinder reliance on divine grace, drawing the heart away from the true source of honor.

From a practical perspective, self-centered bragging can alienate those around you. Instead of drawing people to the truth or allowing them to witness virtuous conduct, self-promotion may foster envy or resistance.

The Example of Christ’s Humility

Christ is portrayed in Scripture as supremely worthy of praise, yet His example of humility underscores why God lifts the lowly. In Philippians 2:3–8, Paul describes the mindset of Christ, who, though in very nature God, took on the form of a servant. He did not exalt Himself with fanfare but humbled Himself to fulfill the greater purpose of salvation. This ultimate model of service and humility provides believers with a pattern: God’s exaltation of a person outshines any self-given praise.

Balancing Confidence and Humility

Scripture does not forbid confidence or the acknowledgment of one’s abilities. Paul frequently acknowledges the work he does (Romans 15:17–18), but he credits God for it and continually redirects glory to Him. Speaking truthfully about one’s skill or accomplishments can be done in a spirit of humility, centered on gratitude and service, rather than seeking to elevate oneself.

Consistency Across Manuscript Evidence

Ancient biblical manuscripts—from fragments among the Dead Sea Scrolls to early Greek papyri—consistently preserve teachings concerning humility and warnings against self-exaltation. The uniformity of these texts across centuries highlights that the biblical stance on self-praise is neither a later addition nor a cultural anomaly; it is a foundational principle woven throughout Scripture.

Practical Application

1. Examine Motives: Before speaking of personal achievements, ask whether the intention is to honor God and edify others or to gain self-glory.

2. Cultivate Humility: Engage in regular prayer and time in Scripture, reminding yourself of God’s supreme worth.

3. Acknowledge Others: Replace self-praise with honest recognition of others’ contributions and achievements.

4. Wait on God’s Approval: Ultimately, genuine commendation comes from the Lord. Trust Him to bring about seasons of recognition in His timing.

Conclusion

The biblical portrait is clear: praise that holds lasting value comes from God and others, not from self-promotion. Humility stands at the core of this teaching, exemplified in both the Old and New Testaments. By avoiding self-exaltation and focusing on gratitude to God, individuals align with the timeless wisdom preserved across scriptural manuscripts. The principle proves both spiritually sound and practically beneficial, drawing people to appreciate genuine, God-honoring character rather than fleeting and potentially divisive self-commendation.