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Sermon Introduction

It is unwise to elevate one’s self. Scripture warns that those who elevate themselves, God will humble, and those who humble themselves, God will elevate. It is wise to take heed. However, some cannot resist the temptation to chase self-glory. The need to be known or the yearning for applause lures many into unenviable positions. Be careful what you desire. What you desire may not be as pleasant as you think. In reality, it might be the opposite. Wisdom leads us to work faithfully and develop excellent skills. If ever we are known for character and work, let us glorify the Lord with all our hearts. Let us never boast of our good deeds, accomplishments, and plans. Anything can happen. There are so many things that can be out of our control.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Proverbs 25:27

27 It is not good to eat much honey,
nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.

Proverbs 27:1-2

1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.

2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips.

Notes

It is unwise to elevate one’s self. Scripture warns that those who elevate themselves, God will humble, and those who humble themselves, God will elevate. It is wise to take heed. However, some cannot resist the temptation to chase self-glory. The need to be known or the yearning for applause lures many into unenviable positions. Be careful what you desire. What you desire may not be as pleasant as you think. In reality, it might be the opposite. Wisdom leads us to work faithfully and develop excellent skills. If ever we are known for character and work, let us glorify the Lord with all our hearts. Let us never boast of our good deeds, accomplishments, and plans. Anything can happen. There are so many things that can be out of our control.

1. Do Not Seek Own Glory

   Wisdom advises moderation when eating honey; otherwise, one will vomit it (Prov. 25:16). It is unwise to seek one’s glory, which may refer to self-exaltation. Such is the behavior of the boastful, arrogant, or insecure.
   
   27 It is not good to eat much honey,
   nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory (Prov. 25:27).
   
   

2. Do Not Boast of Tomorrow

   Wisdom warns against boasting about tomorrow. No matter the anticipation of a good thing, many unseen and uncontrollable factors exist. One can never be too sure. Thus, one must remain humble about the prospects of the future.
   
   1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
   for you do not know what a day may bring (Prov. 27:1).
   
   

3. Do Not Praise Yourself

   Wisdom instructs the listeners to avoid praising the self, which makes it sound boastful. The mouth must learn silence when tempted to proclaim one’s praises. It is better to receive praise from others than from the self.
   
   2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
   a stranger, and not your own lips (Prov. 27:2).
   
   

Application

1. Give Up Fame

   According to John the Baptist, He must increase, and I must decrease. However, some will find it difficult to reject fame or the opportunity to become famous. Such is the pride of life that tempts us. Thus, let us give up the fame.
   
   

2. Submit to His Sovereign Will

   William Carey, one of the pioneers of modern missions, once said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” And we should. But, let none of us boast of what we plan to do. Instead, we still humbly pray, “Thy will be done.”
   
   

3. Stop Self Praise

   Let us follow wisdom’s instruction not to praise ourselves. It is unwise to promote our good works. For some, it may look distasteful, and it might promote envy. Let others praise us, even a stranger, perhaps due to our excellence.
   
   
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. What is not glorious, according to the proverb? Relate that to too much honey.

2. Why should we not boast about tomorrow?

3. What should we not allow to praise us? And who should we allow?