INTRODUCTION

Biblical terminology is very important. For example, ignorance of Bible vocabulary has led people to believe that flattery is considerate if it makes others feel good. Yet, the picture presented by scripture is contrary to this line of thinking. Flattery harms both the giver and the recipient. According to scripture, “A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin” (Proverbs 26:28A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
See All...). While we have been led to believe flattery edifies, in reality, it destroys. This truth is confirmed in Proverbs 29:5A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
See All... where the Bible says, “A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.” Even the flatterer is harmed by his flattery: “He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail” (Job 17:5He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
See All...). Without a doubt, flattery harms all those involved.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The presidents and princes in Daniel's day directed flattering words to king Darius that convinced him to sign a law that couldn't be changed (Daniel 6:3-9 [3] Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. [4] Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. [5] Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. [6] Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. [7] All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. [8] Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. [9] Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
  See All...). This flattery hurt the king when he had to have Daniel cast into a den of lions. Fortunately, God saved Daniel, and the evil men were cast to the lions.
• (For everyone):  What are some ways in which a person could be harmed by being flattered? How could flattery set that person up for pride and false confidence?
• How does flattery work to destroy when it appears to build a person up? What are some examples of how this works?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to show you how harmful flattery can be.
• Ask God to protect you from both sides of flattery.

HYMN

HIDE THOU ME

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