The Miriam Webster dictionary states that the word flatter means, “To praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest”. Today there are many people in our world who use flattery to gain favor socially, to enlarge their power over others, to infiltrate religious groups, or procure dis-honest business adventures which include preying on the naïve and unsuspecting. Usually a person that flatters wants something from the one they are flattering.
When Jesus was teaching in the temple, the high priest and experts of the law sent spies who pretended to be honest seekers, but who watched closely for an opportunity to entangle Jesus by his words. The religious wanted to keep their power, so they attempted to stop the church of Jesus Christ, and our inheritance of eternal life through the cross and resurrection of the Son of God. At the right time they asked Jesus a question using spiritual flattery: “Teacher, we know that all you say is straightforward and what you teach us is right, giving us the true ways of God. You’re one who doesn’t show favoritism to anyone’s status”. Then they asked him a question about paying taxes in an attempt to trap him for their advantage. But Jesus saw right through their cunning ploy and answered them in wisdom. The imposters were left speechless and amazed in the presence of all the people, unable to trap Jesus with his words. (Luke 20).
Even though King David made numerous mistakes and was deceived by various enemies – he knew he was covered by God’s covenant of mercy and love. That was the power that drew him back to God when he became discouraged, and spiritually struggled because of the oppression of his enemy. He poured out his heart to his Champion Defender: “Lord, lead me in the pathways of your pleasure just like you promised me you would. Or else my enemies will conquer me. Smooth out your road in front of me, so that I will know where to walk. For you can’t trust anything they say. Their hearts are nothing but deep pits of destruction – drawing people into their darkness with their speeches. They are smooth-tongued deceivers who flatter with their words. Everyone flatters, and everyone deceives.-nothing but empty talk, smooth talk, and double-talk. Where are the truthful?”(Psalm5+12)
In the divinely anointed Proverbs, King Solomon gives us a deep well of wisdom that will help us not to get pulled into, nor snared by flattery. It is written: “Insecurity is the root of flattery” “Flattery can often be used as a trap to hide ulterior motives and take advantage of you” “Your enemy’s pretended flattery comes from insincerity”. (Proverbs 26+27+29)
God’s wisdom brings living understanding to our lives, while working out a plan that shows us the art of successful living. Through the revealed Logos, and the Holy Spirit residing in our hearts and minds- we will be able to learn to discern truth, while we overcome the snares of the enemy. Ultimately, we will rise up, reign, and succeed in our destiny, while bringing honor and glory to Jesus Name!
