Let another man praise thee, and not thine own
mouth
Men should do those things which are praiseworthy; and should do
them openly, that they may be seen and praised for them: for it
is honourable to have such a character as Demetrius had, who had
a good report of all men; and as the brother had, whose praise in
the Gospel was in all the churches. To be commended by others, by
any but a man's self, is to his credit and reputation; but
nothing more hurtful to it than self-commendation; see ( 2
Corinthians 10:18 ) ; in some cases it is right for a man
indeed to commend himself, when the glory of God, the credit of
religion, the cause of truth and self-vindication, require it; as
the prophet Samuel, the Apostle Paul, and others, have been
obliged to do, ( 1 Samuel
12:3 ) ( 2
Corinthians 11:12 )
a stranger, and not thine own lips;
a stranger means any other than a man's self; and if it is one
that he knows not, or has little acquaintance with; or if a
foreigner, that does not personally know him, only has good
testimonies of him, or has read his works; and especially if in
other respects an enemy; it is greatly to his honour to be
praised by him: and such a commendation comes with much better
grace than from himself, and from whom indeed it would not come
with any.