INTRODUCTION

The Book of Job primarily focuses on the conversations between Job and his three friends. The content of many of their speeches seems to lack the expected wisdom until a younger man named Elihu takes the opportunity to speak. His words were packed with wisdom. One of the areas he addressed concerned giving flattering titles to men. Elihu declared that it was sinful to give men flattering titles and that he knew better than to do so. Keep in mind that flattery is based upon deceit and is never favourable. By refusing to give flattering titles to men, Elihu chose not to say anything concerning others simply to gain an advantage for himself. Elihu knew that God would bring this type of flattery into judgment.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The people at Lystra called Paul and Barnabas “gods” because Paul had healed a crippled man. Read how Paul and Barnabas reacted to that flattery in Acts 14:14-15 [14] Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, [15] And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
  See All.... On the other hand, read how wicked king Herod allowed the people to call him a god. What happened to him (Acts 12:21-23 [21] And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. [22] And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. [23] And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
  See All...)?
• (For everyone):  What are some flattering titles that men bestow upon others? Additionally, what are some flattering titles given by men to men in religious circles, i.e., reverend (Psalm 111:9He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
  See All...) and father (Matthew 23:9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
  See All...)?
• Why should we refuse to use flattering titles to address men? What are some of the things that can happen by refusing to express this type of flattery? How are others harmed by recognizing them with such flattering titles?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to show you the danger of flattering titles.
• Ask God to give you wisdom to avoid flattery.

HYMN

FOOLS MAKE A MOCK AT SIN

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