The Praise of God

"Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

John 12:42-43

This observation of John gives us insight into the hearts of the rulers of the Jews who believed in Jesus, that they "loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."  Men ought to always praise God, yet we see God also gives praise to men who believe in Jesus Christ and confess Him.  Because a distinction is made between the praise of men and the praise of God, our actions demonstrate whether we value the praise of men or God more.

When God says "Well done!" to His good and faithful servants, this is praise.  While God is worthy of all praise, by His grace and strength His people can do what is praiseworthy because we are in Him.  Webster defines "praise" as, "Commendation bestowed on a person for his personal virtues or worthy actions, on meritorious actions themselves, or on any thing valuable; approbation expressed in words or song."  Because God is worthy to be praised, when we do according to His will in any thing praise is appropriate and fitting.  Unlike vengeance, which is God's sovereign territory, we have the freedom by the love of God to praise others who do what is right.

There is a notion that we ought not to praise others for their merit, as if this has the power to bestow humility.  The main problem with what we may call praise is it is often insincere and dishonest.  We praise children who have not done well to manipulate them into doing better.  Flattery has often been disguised as praise with self-serving motives.  "It is the voice of a god, not a man!" the men of Tyre and Sidon shouted in Acts 12, not that they really thought Herod was a god, but because he was angry with them and they desired peace.  Then there is the concern that praising one for doing well might foster pride in them or make others feel somewhat less.  While it is true a person can take pride in praise, a proud person can also refuse to accept it and respond with self-depreciation.  We cannot help how people will receive praise for a job well done, yet we can freely offer it by God's grace and example.

It is important to point out God has many things to say unto men, and much of it is not praise.  God's word is filled with correction, instruction, rebuke and commands.  Jesus spoke of servants who did their duty and were not commended for doing it.  We ought not need to be fueled by the praises of men to do our God-given duty when He has also supplied the wisdom, strength and guidance to do so.  We need not try to soften the blow of correction with insincere praise because this prevents both from landing properly.  If we praise, let it be done honestly to please the LORD.  Those who love the praise of God more than the praise of men will live to please Him in all they say and do, longing for the day they will hear Him say "Well done, good and faithful servant!" and give Him all the glory and praise for it.