Title
Exalting a Fool
Scripture
If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.
(Proverbs 30:12)
Devotional
If we exalt ourselves, we exalt a fool. Proverbs, likewise, says, “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.” The apostle James says, “But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” Whenever we speak too highly of ourselves we diminish our credibility with others. If we find ourselves constantly speaking in the first person using the personal pronouns, “me and I,” let us beware; we are most likely boring those to whom we are speaking and losing any credibility we may have had. Whenever we are self-centered, we are more apt to devise evil, because self-centeredness promotes evil desires. If we purposefully speak in the plural or speak of others in a positive manner, we can and will change our selfish dispositions. Therefore, when you find yourself exalting yourself, put your hand on your mouth.