Pam Padgett ... teacher
While
reading in Daniel 11, that flattery was used stood out to me ....
Daniel 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person,
to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he
shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by
flatteries.
Daniel 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall
he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know
their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
Daniel 11:33 And they that understand among the people shall
instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame,
by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall
fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall
cleave to them with flatteries.
Flatter:
- Lavish insincere praise and compliments upon someone,
especially to further one's own interests
- Give an unrealistically favorable impression of
- Make someone feel honored and pleased
When I looked in the Bible, each verse that had to do with flattery
showed it to be evil or a danger. Here are a few things we're told
...
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by
it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Psalm 12:1 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the
faithful fail from among the children of men. 2 They speak
vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and
with a double heart do they speak.
Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a
net for his feet.
Flattery builds up the flesh. We are especially in danger
of being manipulated by those who flatter if we seek honor of any
kind in the flesh. The honor we should seek is the honor that comes
only from God. 44 How can ye believe, which receive honour
one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God
only? (John 5)
In Daniel 11:32, we see that flattery corrupted those who did
wickedly, but those who knew God were strong. Flattery is not
founded in truth, but God is light. Those who walk in light,
wanting and willing to see truth, are strong.
We may also be tempted to use flattery, especially for
what we consider to be good. But Paul told us that he didn't use
flattering words at any time ...
I Thess. 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust
with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God,
which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we
flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness;
God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you,
nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the
apostles of Christ.
And we are given the following warning ...
Psalm 12:3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips,
and the tongue that speaketh proud things: 4 Who have said, With
our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord
over us?
When we consider what we're told in the Bible about flattery, we see
how important it is to beware of receiving or giving flattery.
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