Flattery or Favor? (TT)

 

There's a saying that,

"flattery will get you no where"

but alas, it often does on people who like to have their ego stoked.  Also, perhaps on some who are of low self-esteem.  But once one realizes the flatterer is insincere and trying to gain some sort of favor,  the false compliments fall flat, leaving the recipient feeling worse off.  They had been scammed!

Scripture says in Jude 1:16 NLT that those who

 "flatter others, do so to get favor in return."

But a true child of God does not need to accept flattery. Remember that John the Baptizer was said to have grown in wisdom and favor with God (see Luke 2:40).  No one complimented or flattered him.  Favor was upon him, given by God.

In her book 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues, we learn that,

"Engaging in flattery is clear evidence of one's lack of faith in God's ability to give favor with other people."

We try to work it out on our own and get ourselves in a tangle.  Instead, seek the Lord for His solution.

Other God-fearing biblical characters who earned favor from others by not resorting to flattering others were: Esther, Daniel and Joseph.  They were respected for their genuine character and integrity even if others had been jealous.  They called upon God in their dire straights.

Jesus himself also grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man (see Luke 2:52).  He did not go around seeking it.

Job was a man of integrity who seems to have detested flattery.  He said,

"I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter any man; for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away" (Job 32:21-22).

Sometimes we may flatter in a joking manner but it seems Job would not even do that.

Flattery is another type of lying.  Let's keep our lips from such deceitfulness.  You wouldn't want your lips to be cut off would you (see Psalm 12:3 KJV)?

When we consciously walk in the fear of the Lord we will walk circumspectly I believe, keeping our words and actions pure and pleasing in His sight.

Lord Jesus, I'm sorry for the times I did engage in flattery in order to gain favor with mankind.  May I also be able to echo Job, "nor will I flatter any man".  Help each of Your followers to echo the same.  In Your name we ask.  Amen.

                                                     ~ ERC  April 2025 ~

Based on Jude 1:16 NLT.  Also loosely based on 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Song, Speak (Words Bring Life), along with Toby Mac.

See also, Half-Truths.