Organizing the Inside – Day 295 The Truth About Flattery

June 24, 2012 at 5:00 pm · Filed under Encouragement, Love, Relationship, Wisdom, Women's Ministry and tagged: Christianity, Flattery, God, Religion and Spirituality, Trust

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

Let us speak the truth in love.
We must never use flattery as a way to manipulate others or get what we want.  As sisters in Christ we must simply be honest with one another. The plain truth is, flattery is a form of manipulation and is often used to control others. Be cautious when someone flatters you with their tongue. Flattery can build pride making you one who God chooses to resist. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5 (KJV) Do not put too much value on the compliments you receive from others? It’s a good thing to pay someone an honest compliment. Just beware, flattery can disguise anger, resentment and jealousy. The condition of your heart is what makes the difference; if you are being sincere and loving than that is not flattery.

Flattery leads to a deceptive trap.
As women of God it is important for us to resist the temptation to use our persuasive prowess to get what we want. If you are not completely conscious of your unique ability as a woman to influence, you too can fall into the same trap of flattery. Have you ever told someone something to flatter them? You may have done so without even realizing it. Eventually you can start to rely on flattery to get what you want. This is not fair to others, nor is it pleasing to God. There is nothing wrong with building someone up through positive words of encouragement. I only want to warn us to examine our hearts. Is there an underlying motive behind the lovely compliments you give? Flattery, what does it do to the recipient? BE CAREFUL, don’t give to get. Just don’t do it, it only ends in ruin.  A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28 (NIV)

Agree to let God guide your words.
God will always give you and me balance if we follow His pattern. Let’s be committed to allowing God to enter the inner most recesses of our heart.  This is where God regulates our actions and our motives. By allowing Him to go there we never have to worry about falling into the horrible trap of flattery.

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