“For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:” 1 Thessalonians 2:5
Flattery is defined as “excessive and insincere praise, given espescially to further one’s own interests.” It is also to “butter someone up” in order to get something that you want. Paul didn’t try to flatter the Thessalonian church. He wasn’t telling them what they wanted to hear in order to get money or things from them. He preached the truth the way it is. But some people today try to flatter others, telling others what they want to hear, just because they want people to love them or give them something.
“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” Psalm 12:2
You know, it’s an interesting thing when someone comes into possession with a bunch of money, how many “friends” you find out that you have. Maybe someone wins a lottery and all of a sudden people just start to show up, complimenting you on your appearance, your home, etc. They didn’t care about you before you had money, but now they’re like, “Hey, how are you doing? You sure are a nice person.” While the truth is that they are only saying those things to get favor with you so that you will give them money. They don’t really care about you, they only want to flatter you with their words in order to receive something from you.
They can also try to flatter you with their words to try to deceive you, or get information from you. They even tried to flatter Jesus in Matthew 22.
“Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?” Matthew 22:15-18
The Pharisees didn’t believe in Jesus, they only wanted to find something bad about Him to try to get Him in trouble. They weren’t seeking to learn about the scriptures from Jesus, they were full of deceit and hypocrisy. Like it says in the Psalms, their words were nice and kind, but they were not like that inside their hearts.
“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.’” Psalm 55:21
Really, flattery and covetness go together a lot. A person can flatter another to try to get gain for themselves. Another example could be like a politician. They might say that they will do certain things if elected to office in order to get money for their campaign. They may make all sorts of claims just so that people will vote for them, but if they get elected, they have no intention of following through with those promises.
The Lord hates flattery. Insincere speech is lying, and remember that the Bible warns that all liars will have their part in the lake of fire.
“The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:” Psalm 12:3
“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.” Proverbs 26:28
Let your speech be true and honest. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
In Christ,
Andrew
Teufer Lake King James Bible Church 