Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Wisdom from Proverbs”
Our Bible verse for today: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth – a stranger, and not your own lips.” Proverbs 27:2 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Don’t toot your own horn.”
I’ve always had a problem with loud-mouthed professional athletes who boast a lot and claim to be the greatest this or greatest that – the greatest wide receiver of all time, or the greatest boxer of all time, the greatest tennis player, etc. Listening to their boasting I always find myself hoping they will lose in a big and humiliating way just to teach them a lesson. I’ve always been much more impressed with stars like Tony Gwynn, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers. People like that are low key, humble, professional, and they just quietly apply themselves to being the best they can be.
Likewise, I’ve never had any patience with pompous windbag politicians always seeking attention, bloviating their way through press conference after press conference, speech after speech, statement after statement, and obviously way too full of themselves. Even when I agree with many of their policies and positions, I find myself wishing they would just shut-up and focus instead on accomplishing important matters of public business.
The Bible teaches us to quietly and humbly do our best and if there is going to be any praise, let it come from others. Proverbs 27:2 is just one of many verses in both the Old and New Testaments which teach this principle.
Jesus taught about it too. In Matthew 23:12 He said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” This was actually a point that Jesus emphasized and taught in several parables and lessons. Those who exalt themselves in speech or conduct will one day be humbled. And those who conduct themselves in a humble manner will be lifted up and praised by others.
The Apostle Paul also spoke to this principle at work in his own life when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:6, “I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it. I don’t want anyone to think more highly of me than what they can actually see in my life and my message.” (NLT)
Paul’s point was that he had confidence in the good job he was doing. He knew he was working hard and trying his best, but he refused to boast about it. He didn’t need to toot his own horn and call attention to himself or to his deeds. He let his actions speak for themselves. That’s also what made Tony Gwynn, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and so many others truly great. They just quietly did their best without boasting.
There’s a great lesson in this for all of us. Just do your best, don’t boast, and let your actions speak for themselves.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 