“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.”

I was at an 8-year-old’s birthday party the other day. My grandson received a karaoke machine as a gift. He loves that thing, and he can’t stop singing his favorite country and praise songs with it. He sounds fun, but the truth is, he’s 8 and not quite ready for America’s Got Talent. I saw one of his little buddies standing off to the side while he sang. When he finished the song, his little friend said, “You sound really good, bruh.” It was obvious he was not blown away by his ability, but he just wanted to encourage and be kind to his friend. In this verse, one interpretation of what Solomon was saying is that you can tell a lot about someone’s character by what and how they praise others. When we speak kind words of praise and encouragement to others, it reveals a kind and gentle heart. That is a beautiful thing. When someone praises mean, bullying, or domineering behavior, it reveals a selfish, dark heart. Today, praise God’s beauty in His children. #BeTheEdge

“I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalms‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬