the grace of humility . day five

[5] The Waters of Vanity

Ninth. Do not take pride in any praise given to you. Rejoice in God who gives gifts others can see in you. But let it be mixed with a holy respect, so that this good does not turn into evil. If praise comes, put it to work by letting it serve other ends than yourself. But be cautious and on guard that pride never enters in, thereby rendering your praise a loss.

Tenth, as in the sixth rule, do not ask others your faults with the intent or purpose being to have others tell you of your good qualities. Some will speak lowly of themselves in order to make others give an account of their goodness. They are merely fishing for compliments, and yet, it is they who end up swallowing the hook. until by drinking the waters of vanity, they swell up and burst.

~from The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living by Jeremy Taylor