{"id":1467,"date":"2018-02-11T22:36:34","date_gmt":"2018-02-12T04:36:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebcsv.com\/pa\/?p=1467"},"modified":"2018-02-11T22:37:13","modified_gmt":"2018-02-12T04:37:13","slug":"smooth-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebcsv.com\/pa\/smooth-words\/","title":{"rendered":"Smooth Words"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Flattery\"Smooth words and flattering speech<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.\u201d Romans 16:17, 18<\/p>\n

In Romans 16 Paul is closing his letter to the church at Rome with a similar admonition as to what we study today in II Corinthians 11. Sweet talkers had infiltrated both flocks with ulterior motives- feeding their own belly not serving the Lord Christ. To reach their objective they resorted to false praise which exalted men\u2019s ego\u2019s and led them astray from true doctrine.<\/p>\n

Everyone likes to be appreciated- but flattery is a vain and empty attempt to make us think we are something when in reality the flatterer has a hidden agenda. The word \u201cto flatter\u201d comes from various roots that mean \u201cto make smooth or flat\u201d. Thus the person who flatters is using smooth speech to flatten out the terrain to make way for their ulterior motive.<\/p>\n

Proverbs gives us many warnings about flattery:
\nIn Proverbs 2:16, 6:24, 7:5, 7:21 we are warned to watch for the flattering lips of the seducing woman. Nothing deceives more men than the lie of immoral lusts!
\nProverbs 20:19 warns us: \u201cDo not associate with one who flatters with his lips- because as a talebearer he goes about and reveals secrets.<\/p>\n

Proverbs 26:28 we are told that a \u201cflattering mouth works ruin.\u201d
\nProverbs 29:5: \u201cA man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.\u201d
\nWhen someone pats you on the back and congratulates you for a job well done- be thankful and give the glory back to God.<\/p>\n

When someone strokes your ego in excessive ways- don\u2019t fall for the trap- it is a net spread for your feet intending to snare you. Be on your guard as well to not fall into the temptation to become a flatterer. Sincerity is the greatest form of praise.
\nBecause of grace,
\nTim<\/p>\n

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