Music and cheers

As King Saul’s soldiers returned home from their victorious battles with the Philistines, women from the nearby towns came out to meet him. They made music, danced, and sang a joyful song: “Saul has killed thousands, but David tens of thousands.”

Saul did not like this song at all because it made David look much better than him. Saul became angry. “Why do they only sing about thousands for me? Soon they will want David to be their king!” From that day on, Saul became very jealous of David and tried to get rid of him. But everyone else liked David because he was such a good leader.

How should I respond to compliments and praise?

How would you feel if you received a medal or a prize for an achievement? It may be hard to describe your mixed emotions as you go up to receive your award in front of a cheering crowd. You may feel joy, pride, nervousness, or even embarrassment.

People respond differently to the compliments and praise they receive for doing something well. There is nothing wrong with accepting someone’s kind words, and it is polite to thank someone who pays you a compliment. You could even use the opportunity to give God the glory by thanking Him openly.

When David was praised, he did not stop leading his men to victory, nor did he play down his abilities. He did, however, acknowledge that God had helped him (Psalm 54:4). In contrast, the New Testament tells of a king who loved the praise of people. When they called him a god, he loved it and took all the glory for himself! You can read what happened to him (Acts 12:21–23).

Verse for today

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 14:11

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