Keep It Simple

(Pro 27:21 KJV)  As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

I have a hard time with people saying nice things about me.  I never know how to respond.  If I reject their kind words it might seem like I am rejecting them.  They could be just trying to be kind.  A new bride who never had to cook and feels she must do so now might need some kind words even though you both know they are not deserved.  

I also don’t know how to offer a good word.  I want to be sincere but sometimes it is hard to find anything positive to say.  A three year old singing a song that you don’t understand is easy to “praise” (4110) with enthusiasm.  When they are 25 and try the same thing it is hard to find something nice.  I remember at summer camp when we were trying to help a shy young friend about how to compliment a girl he like, the best we could come up with was, “I really like the way you hold your fork.”  Honest but not helpful.

So?  A simple thank you is always appropriate as response.  In fact it can be also used in place of praise.  Instead of saying, “That was very nice” just say, “Thank you” and leave it at that.