Get The Recognition You Deserve!

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31:30–31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Proverbs 31 lady is all a girl could hope to ever be. She is strong, successful, and extremely loved by her husband. I have read Proverbs 31 countless times and never quite noticed the lesson at the very end of this chapter and therefore the end of Proverbs.

Usually it is the man who we think needs public affirmation in order to feed his ego. How many times do women truly do things in order to receive recognition? It’s funny how when we do everything in our power to be noticed usually never are. And if we do get what we are looking for the praise is never enough.

The last two verses in the last chapter of the last book of Proverbs ends with a woman receiving praise she never demanded. She did not look at her household, the success of her businesses, or how hard-working she is in the home and force the community to give her a badge of honor or reward.

Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth — a stranger, not your own lips.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

By paying attention to the wording of verse 30 you can see the her success really comes down to her fear of the Lord. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and you have to be able to operate and wisdom in order to be great. When you are great, others praise you.

So let’s back this up to see the sequence of success:

• Fear the Lord
• Operate in Wisdom
• Become Great
• Receive Praise

Desiring recognition for your efforts and success is not a sin. We get in trouble when we focus on praise above everything else. Then a growing need to receive that praise takes over no matter the cost.

Lasting praise begins with fear of the Lord. It is good news for women everywhere that we do not have to demand recognition. All we have to do is surrender our lives to the Lord and follow his Word.