Flatter Lips

(Proverbs 7:21 KJV)  With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

What is the difference between “flattering” (2507b) and complimenting?  Is there any difference?  Are both condemned?  As I look at definitions the main difference seems to be sincerity.  Flattery doesn’t have any.  So beware of flattery.

“Flattering” (2507b) language is something we fall for all the time.  We are sitting ducks for this because we want the world to praise and accept us.  It shows we are being good witnesses, right?  We also run into it in the church as people try to manipulate or influence us.

One of the ways to guard against falling for this is to consider the source.  If you have someone who lives a life of sin and self-centeredness, the chances are they don’t mean a word they are saying.  If you have noticed them lying about other items the odds are they are lying to you.  I recently had a student tell me I was a great teacher.  Right.  And he wasn’t talking or eating either.

So?  Salt is to be taken by the grain or spoonful depending on how much praise someone throws your way.  Enjoy the moment but don’t be seduced.