Two-minute read.
How someone responds to praise reveals their character. Refinement happens when someone achieves accolades. Saul and David give us an example of different responses.
“As they danced, they sang: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
1 Samuel 18:7
When the women praised David higher than Saul, the king became angry that they only credited him with thousands, and the shepherd boy with tens of thousands. Saul’s anger gave the devil a foothold, and he threw a spear at David in rage, but the younger man eluded it twice.
Saul’s hatred of David continued to grow; 1 Samuel chapters 18 and 19 tell their tale. Repeatedly, the king tries to kill David, never succeeding. However, when the young warrior has the chance to get revenge on his tormentor, David doesn’t. Finding Saul relieving himself in a cave, David cuts off a piece of the king’s robe, later showing it to him. The warrior wanted his ruler to know that he could have killed him, but didn’t.
Their relationship and responses to praise illustrate the difference between the two men’s characters. One became envious and enraged, the other humble and faithful. How someone handles praise reveals much about their personality and who they truly serve.
When someone praises you, give the glory to God, as David did. Stay humble by reminding yourself that victory came through the Lord; without Him, you won’t succeed. David won his battles because of the Lord’s presence in them, and when people tried to praise him, God’s warrior gave the glory to his Creator.
Journal Question:
Who handled praise well in your life?
Who has become prideful because of praise?
How have you handled praise in your life?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing us the difference in how to handle praise. Please help us remain humble and focused on You, no matter what the situation. Help us love You and others well, giving all the glory to You.
IJNIP. Amen
