Proverbs 27:2

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight: 

Proverbs 27:2 (ESV)

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;

a stranger, and not your own lips.

Self promotion has a distinct and foul smell.  Soliciting promotion and praise for oneself has a very unusual and ugly oder.  In this proverb Solomon gives us a warning about such acts.   It is not hard to find someone who seeks praise.  It is even easier to find someone who promotes themselves in an arrogant manner.  Our society actually promotes this type of self praise.  Solomon wants us to know that it isn't praise that is wrong but "self" praise.  He has earlier told us that when someone deserves honor we are to give it to them (3:27).   But, we are not to give it to ourselves.   Solomon told us to not seek a seat at the head table but let others call you to sit there rather than sit there and be told to move.

Proverbs 25:6-7 (ESV)

6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence

or stand in the place of the great,

7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”

than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

What your eyes have seen

Solomon is not down on praise.  He is just down on self praise.   Let's make sure we don't praise ourselves.  Let others do that if they are incline.   For yourself, seek humility and obscurity.    

Notice how Solomon said the same thing a little earlier:

Proverbs 25:27 (ESV)

27 It is not good to eat much honey,

nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.