STOOP TO RISE

Proverbs 25.6-7
STOOP TO RISE
"Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men...."

WE HAVE OFTEN HEARD IT SAID, "Self-praise is no praise." There are two ways a quality of ours may be made publicly known: either we broadcast it ourselves or someone recognises it and commends it to others. The latter, according to Proverbs, is the better way.

We may not be that overt in self-praise. But often, in quiet and subtle ways, we seek to project ourselves in the eyes of others. We may do it by talking incessantly about our successes and achievements. We may find ourselves using “I” more often than we should. Some employ the technique of name-dropping to make sure people know the distinguished circle to which they belong.

Of course, it is not wrong of us to tell our friends, colleagues or clients about ourselves. What we are warned against here is the ulterior motive, namely, to "claim a place among great men" (v.6). The temptation to do so is especially strong when we are invited by the king into his presence. We may suddenly begin to think highly of ourselves. Why should the king (or for that matter, the MP or the Head of Department or the Managing Director) ask me to lunch? Surely, a promotion is on the way!

Already, in 23.1-2, we are cautioned: "When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." We are to be wise and to watch our behaviour before such a VIP. It is right to behave well and leave a good impression (which is encouraged here). But it is another thing to exalt oneself by giving a false impression of oneself (or worse, by demeaning our colleagues)

Jesus sounds a similar warning when he notices how guests pick out (and no doubt clamour for) the places of honour at a wedding feast. It is better, he says, for the host when he arrives to tell you to move up to a higher place than for him to tell you to move down to a lower place. "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (see Luke 14.7-11). Rather than praise yourself by presuming on the highest honours, let someone else commend you by choosing your place for you.

Do I exalt myself, whether openly or subtly?