Words of Comfort, Hope and Joyনমুনা

It seems paradoxical that the Psalmists who prayed for protection from lies also asked God to safeguard them from those who flatter them. Like the writer of this psalm, many other authors found flattery to be perilous. “For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue” (Psalm 5:9, ESV). The sages taught that “Whoever rebukes a man will afterwards find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue” (Proverbs 28:23, ESV).

The Hebrew word used here suggests meanings like “be smooth”, “lie”, “forge”, and even “fabricate”, which takes on the meaning of “flatter” when used in speech. Flatteries are lies.

Being flattered can be an exciting experience, but the godly find it dangerous because it is “praise that is not sincere.” Hank Ketcham, who created the cartoon character Dennis the Menace, said, “Flattery is like chewing gum. Enjoy it but don’t swallow it.” Still, the Bible advises against opening that packet of chewing gum.

Flattery is dangerous because it leads us to believe falsehoods and act in ways that compromise our dignity. It often conceals evil intentions and signals the start of destructive schemes. Its subtlety means that, in most cases, only God truly knows the motives behind it. Therefore, we must pray for wisdom to understand the truth about ourselves without relying on others.

Today, resist the sweet pull of flattery and seek words that sharpen, not soothe. Speak with integrity, listen with discernment, and anchor your worth in God’s wisdom, not others’ approval.