Flattery

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Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.

Proverbs 29:5 Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.

Romans 16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

Flattery: Excessive or insincere praise; to please or gratify the vanity of; to portray favorably. Proverbs 28:23 says that it is better for someone to rebuke than to flatter. When you see something that is wrong, rebuke it. It is more favorable to God than flattery. Flattery is insincere. It is not true. It isn’t what you truly know or feel about that person. Proverbs 29:5 says that flatter actually ensnares the person it comes from. According to Romans 16:18, flattery is a tool of the enemy along with deception. Flattery is a selfish act. It isn’t in God’s character to flatter people.

Laine, you need to make sure that you don’t participate in flattery. I know that you like to be encouraging, but don’t get that mixed up with flattery. They aren’t the same thing. When you say something good to someone, make sure that it is something you truly believe. Do not be insincere. Do not play on people’s vanity. Today, you felt pressure to be pleasing to everyone. You do not need to be like anyone else. Just focus on what I’m doing inside of you. I’m working on all the cracks. I’m taking out the wax in your pillar to make you sincere. You don’t have to force it. If you choose to flatter people, you are keeping them from what I want to do in their lives. You are being selfish if you flatter them, because you are caring more about what they think about you than what is good for them. Avoid flattery, Laine. Also, be careful not to flatter yourself. I love a humble heart.

Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for showing me this hidden fault. Please forgive me and lead me in Your way. Lord, I leave my selfishness at the cross. Please use me and mold me for Your purposes. I love You, Lord. Help me to be sincere and genuine in everything I say. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.