How Flattering!

How Flattering!

2When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. 3The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted. 4A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. 5To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. 6Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy. 7The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all. 8Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger. 9If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction. 10The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them. 11Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

Proverbs 29:2-11

“You’re the best!” “You’re so beautiful!” “I couldn’t possibly do that as fast as you!” Do you notice anything suspicious here?

Proverbs 29 discusses flattery, as well as how to appropriately respond to other people’s anger, how to vent your frustration, and how to get justice.

Read Proverbs 29:1-27

“To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet” (Proverbs 29:5). That states it clearly. Everyone wants to be liked, so we tend to encourage and excuse flattery. In fact, many people do not even consider flattery wrong, but use it as a handy tool for advancing themselves and their agendas. But each use of flattery, as the Scriptures say, sets a trap and endangers those who get caught in it.

Avoid using flattery to manipulate people. Instead, be sincere when you praise others for their achievements, appearance, or character. At the same time, don’t believe everything you hear about yourself. Honestly evaluate your abilities, appearance, and personality. Know your strengths and weaknesses so you will know when others are flattering you. Learn to distinguish between truth and flattery, and learn to accept compliments graciously.