Luke 6:26 26Woe to you when all people speak well of you, for their fathers did these same things to the false prophets.
The last woe parallels the last beatitude and focuses on how people are treated by others. The grammatical structure of the last woe changes style compared to the other three, just like the last beatitude changes its style compared to the other blessings. The object you addressed in this woe is similar to the “you’s” of previous lines. Most directly, it could refer to the rich of the previous verse. More broadly, it refers to people who find their identity in things of the world. Having a good reputation or being above reproach is important (1 Timothy 3:2), but this should be based on a good character, not on trying to please others (Galatians 1:10).
The problem with having people speak well of a person is the implied motive behind Jesus’ statement in the last part of the verse. The false prophets avoided the persecution and rejection of people by proclaiming a message that tickled their ears and made life easy (prophets (Isaiah 30:9–11; Jeremiah 5:31; 23:16–22; Micah 2:11). The truth can be difficult to accept, so much so, that the one who speaks it experiences rejection and even persecution. Jeremiah spoke the truth, and because of his willingness and obedience to confront the sins of his time, he was rejected, imprisoned, and almost died.
When we have to stand a stand for the truth, especially the good news of Jesus Christ, will we avoid confrontation with evil and ignorance in order to avoid rejection, shame, or physical harm? The temptation will be to compromise the truth and make it palatable to the current morals, lifestyles, philosophies, and latest fads. Would we rather have the shame that comes in speaking the truth before people or the shame that comes when convicted by the Holy Spirit? In the eschatological context of this whole passage, the shame will come at judgment when we stand before God. How can we stand firm in our faith and not compromise our character and words? Our strength will come through the power of God’s Holy Presence with us, empowering us and firming our convictions. This strength does not come accidentally or overnight but in the steady walk of obedience.
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