Proverbs 12:8-10 (ESV)
8 A man is commended according to his good sense,
but one of twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to be lowly and have a servant
than to play the great man and lack bread.
10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,
but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
Wise decisions bring praise from the community, but the one who acts upon selfish impulses and desires, though highly esteemed by others for a season, will eventually be seen as worthless. A godly person chooses to live comfortably without need for recognition. The fool will show off her resources in an attempt to gain acceptance, even though she often actually has nothing to display. It is never smart to pretend to be something you aren’t, physically or spiritually. The righteous person is compassionate, extending mercy to even her animals. The heartless allow others to suffer for personal gain. It is odd that people try so hard to impress each other. How miserable we must appear before God as we struggle and strive to look good in the eyes of man. May we be driven by a desire to be upright before the Lord today, and trust him with what others think of us.