Psalm 12 verses 2-4 (NIV)
Everyone lies to their neighbour;
they flatter with their lips
but harbour deception in their hearts.
May the Lord silence all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue—
those who say,
“By our tongues we will prevail;
our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”
Psalm 12 verse 6 (NIV)
And the words of the Lord are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold refined seven times.
Proverbs Chapter 21: Verse 23 (NIV)
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues
keep themselves from calamity.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, the term “flattery” means to praise someone in order to make them feel attractive or important… Sounds ok doesn’t it; Surely that’s not bad? But the definition doesn’t end there. It concludes,” sometimes in a way that is not sincere.” Therein lies the problem. As king of Israel, David would, I’m sure, have been at the receiving end of many flattering words, but would, with God’s help be able to discern the difference between genuine praise, which is intended to build up and encourage, and insincere flattery, which may only a point scoring exercise.
We too need to be careful what we say and the reason why we say it. We have no reason to boast in our own achievements because in the face of the important things and our inheritance as children of God, they mean nothing, As Paul told the Corinthian Church, “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’” (1 Corinthians chapter 1: verses 30-31) But it is a completely different matter to encourage someone for example by giving them praise and thanks for a job well done.
When God speaks to our hearts, on the other hand, it is to our good, even if it is a word of warning or rebuke. Never harsh or insincere, we know that Jesus Himself taught that ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew chapter 4: verse 4) and said of Himself that He was the very bread of life. (John Chapter 6: verse 35)
So let’s be careful to avoid the use of flattery, stick to genuine praise and make sure that we listen to and act upon the words that bring us life.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that You speak the words of life to us that are a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As the psalmist prayed, I pray too. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.