Proverbs 29:5: A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
Insight
Applause for a man who is doing a good job is certainly in order. Merit should be recognized. I think there is a time to stand up and cheer for an individual. But when flattery is used, it is like the overdose of honey that we have read about in this book. It seems there are some people who are just given to flattery. They do not really tell the thing that is upon their hearts. When I was a pastor, there was a man who was always making requests and asking favors. The more flattering the things they say, the bigger the favor they are going to ask. It is tragic when we believe flattery. 1
Application
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 2:4–6
There is a big difference between encouraging words and flattering words. Encouragement comes with no strings attached. Receive it, be blessed and thankful. Reject even the slightest bit of flattery. It will only obligate you to do something that you will later regret. If you never embrace it, you will never be entangled by it.
Motivation
By smooth words and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:18
Flattery is just a deceptive way to gain access into the heart of another. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for asking me to pursue You and not the approval of others.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
