Between choosing truth and popularity, most men will choose popularity.

Luke 6:26  Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Why did Christ say that “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you”? Does it mean we are accurse if men praise us? Does it mean we should not praise anyone?

Christ is saying that the people of this world will generally take a dislike to His doctrines and as a result, will also take a dislike on Him (John 7:7). He said: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). Hence, if a preacher is loved by men, it can only be that he is not preaching the truth; then woe is to such preacher (Gal 1:6-9). Christ said their forefathers spoke well of the false prophets but not to the prophets of God.

Between choosing truth and popularity, most men will choose popularity. The truth hurts and men do not want to hurt others in order to maintain popularity. False teachers fall into this category: they would rather preach what the hearers want to hear than to preach the truth. Who would want to be like John the Baptist who said to a king: “It is not lawful for thee to have her” (Matt 14:4)? He didn’t become popular by saying those “nasty” things and as a result, he lost his head. In like manner, our Lord Jesus did not mince His words when He publicly rebuked the Pharisees and the chief rulers for their sins. He made enemies than friends by saying those things.

It is to those who covet the praises from men that Christ said: “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you” (Luke 6:26). Those who love the applauses from men will not speak the truth; it is the characteristic of false prophets. It is one reason why men love false teachers: they are such sweet talkers and they know how to make you like them.

Christ was referring to the false teachers who love the praises of men more than the praises of God (John 12:43). They are the false teachers and hypocrites. He praised those who had done well. He praises the great faith of a Centurion and a Canaanite woman (Matt 8:10; 15:28). He praised a poor widow for giving all she had to God (Mark 12:43). John spoke of a Christian called Demetrius who had a good report of all men (3 John 1:12). Paul praised the Christians in the letters that he wrote.

Christians, and not just the elders, should be well spoken of and should "have a good report of them which are without" (I Tim 3:7).

The woe uttered here by the Lord Jesus applies to those whose aim is to maintain the reputation which they may have rightly merited. After gaining the reputation of being outstanding in his profession, a man's danger exists in endeavouring to maintain it. Some of the most successful evangelists and physicians have made shipwreck of faith in this way.

Our parents were right: “Don’t praise a man too much; his head will swell.” Indeed, many good men have become puff up with their success and the overmuch praises that were given to them. As a result, their only purpose in life is to maintain that good reputation. In fact, some have become very arrogant and self-righteous. Brethren, when you think that you are such a great preacher, elder, or bible class teacher, then this woe applies to you!

We must not conclude from this that we should not recognize faithfulness in workers and speak words of approval to one another. In fact we should give honour when honour is due. We should often commend and encourage those who are doing a good work for the Master. They need encouragement just like any of us. We need to assure them that they have the constant support and prayers of the church. Such encouragement should not be reserved until after faithful workers have been laid in the grave. Why wait till they are dead to praise them? Honour them while they are alive. Those words of encouragement will motivate them and spur them to do even more for the Master.

Paul remembered those who labour for the Lord and praised them for their good works in the kingdom of God. Let us do likewise. Let us give our workers the encouragement and honour they rightly deserve. “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Rom 13:7).


Jimmy Lau
Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.