December 27

Dec 27 – Today from Proverbs 27 we look at verse 21
"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives." (NIV)

"As the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise." (KJV)

Application of carefully regulated heat by the attending smith refines the quality of a precious metal. The crucible and the furnace spoken of here are tools of the craftsman. I believe this proverb has as much to say for the one giving the praise as it does to the one receiving it.
For the one receiving: Precious metal is tested in the crucible. Every metal has its own melting point. When heated to that point, the refiner can gauge the purity of the metal by observing. Every man is tested when being praised. Does he show humility by giving God glory for his ability? Is he inspired to be worthy of the praise given by being even more diligent? Does he strive to develop and maintain integrity in his endeavors so that those who give the praise are not disappointed? If a man given praise consistently displays these traits, he is a man of wisdom. He understands the ‘testing’ of praise.
For the one giving: Praise is to be used as a tool of refining. Praise should be carefully applied to encourage and to inspire others to develop their potential good. When used casually or recklessly, it can do just the opposite and encourage others to pride and eventually to disappointment. Praise is meant to be a means, not an end. If the recipient begins to believe unwarranted praise, he will develop a false sense of having achieved excellence, and will no longer be motivated toward excellence.
There is a delicate balance between praise and encouragement. The apostle Paul was very good at finding this balance. Along with a word of praise he would often give an indicator of why it was praiseworthy. The indicator then becomes the focus and motivator – not the praise. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 is a prime example; "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." Here Paul praises the believers for their good works and their endurance, but the indicators are that which inspire them – faith, love, and hope, none of which emanate from self. He praises them for their ability to develop and apply that which God provides.
Every parent, every mentor, every leader needs to strive to learn and apply this balance, much as a skilled metallurgist strives to learn the delicate application of heat to his crucible. In doing so, praise can indeed be useful in refining the character of those we influence.