Begs, we hear, for commendation (6)
I believe the answer is:
praise
'for commendation' is the definition.
(praise is a kind of commendation)
'begs we hear' is the wordplay.
'begs' becomes 'prays' (I've seen this in another clue).
'we hear' shows a homophone (sound like).
'prays' is a homophone of 'PRAISE'.
(Other definitions for praise that I've seen before include "Kudos, pat on the back" , "Commend or laud" , "Acclaim, commend" , "Commendation" , "Express warm approval of (someone/something)" .)