FLATTERING LIPS

This week I want to talk about the flatterer. You know, the one that is continually giving complements and praising those around them. On the surface this may appear to be something good. You say, it is wonderful to see someone build others up and impute confidence. But, is this what’s going on behind the mask of flatterey?

Flattery is an insecure form of communicaton used to mask manipulation, sefish, or deceptive motives.We are told to stay away from those that use smooth talk and flattery for they will deceive the hearts of the naive. In 1 Timothy 2:5, it is described as a cloak of covetousness. (To lust after)

In some cases a person may be giving others compliments and encouragement. So how can we tell he difference between honest building up and deceptive munipulation? Let’s look into the Bible for some answers to this question.

We must keep in mind when the Bible says, “Men” it can mean either gender, male or female, context will determine the meaning. This information will help to understand the following verses of scripture.

The book of Proverbs and Psalms has a lot of dealings with flattery in its pages. A book written by a man that had more wisdom than any person prior to himself or even after his death. With 700 wives and 300 concubines he learned a lot about people. His instructions have been the foundation for a life that is pleasing to God for us today. Here are some quotes from Proverbs and Psalms to keep in mind when dealing with a flattering person.

Pro 26:23, “ Like a clay pot covered with cheap silver, so is smooth talk that covers up an evil heart.”

Pro 29:5, “ A person who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for him to step into.”

Psa 12:2, “ All people speak foolishly. They speak with flattering lips. They say one thing but mean another.”

Now lets turn our attention to the New Testament for more insight about those that would flatter with the lips. Paul while writing to the Church at Rome made it clear he was seeing this in the Church.

Rom 16:17, “ Brothers and sisters, I urge you to watch out for those people who create divisions and who make others fall away from the Christian faith by teaching doctrine that is not the same as you have learned. Stay away from them.”

Rom 16:18, “People like these are not serving Christ our Lord. They are serving their own desires. By their smooth talk and flattering words they deceive unsuspecting people.”

These are the last days, as many scholars and prophets, along with scripture have confirmed. Satan can come as an Angel of light to deceive many.

How can we deal with a person with flattering lips? Again we go to the scriptures for the answer. We must be aware of those that are trying to manipulate us for their own gain. Question their motives and the agenda they may have. Most of all watch their integrity for lying, exaggerations or other false representations of themselves. Scripture puts it in a neat package.

Pro 26:28, “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.”

The end result of those that use flattery as a means of manipulating others will come to the end of that deception, for God is watching them.

Psa 12:3, “The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:”

May the Lord bless your every area of life!

Al S.