John 12:42-43 says, “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John had just quoted Isaiah 53:1 and 6:9-10 confirming Israel’s blindness to and hardhearted attitude toward Jesus. However, many of Israel’s “rulers believed in him” but did not publicly confess/profess him. The Pharisees wielded too much influence and peer pressure. The “praise of men” was far too important to these rulers than “the praise of God.” It is not a bad thing to aspire to leadership or other good things, but if it handicaps our testimony it comes at too high a price. The “praise of men” dies when they do. God’s praise lasts forever. Let’s make sure all our aspirations keep God’s eternal praise central.