What is the meaning of this statement: "A man does not reach sincerity until praise and blame are equal to him"?

Question:
A questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, some of the Salaf said, "A man does not reach sincerity until praise and blame are equal to him." What is your view on that? What is it?

Answer:
This statement is sound. It was mentioned that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about a man who does good, then people praise him for it, when it was a secret for Allah, and then the praise for it reaches him and he is pleased by it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: That is the glad tidings of the believer. So if a person is pleased by the praise of others for him, or if it encourages him, that does not harm him, if Allah wills. But he should not do it for the sake of that. However, if the praise reaches him and he is pleased by it, that does not harm him, if Allah wills.