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[B]Salesman: [/B] I'm telling you, Mrs. Brown, this brand new Regalota is just the car for you. An elegant lady like yourself needs an expensive automobile to show off your beauty and grace. And your well behaved, lovely children will enjoy its many features.
[B]Mrs. Brown: [/B] I think I'll take the '85 Ford instead.
[B]Salesman: [/B] Excellent choice! Your stunning beauty will be enhanced by this fine automobile.
[B]Woodrow Kroll: [/B] Flattery is a dangerous thing. It's an insincere attempt to build people up for selfish gain. I'm Woodrow Kroll and this is the Bible Minute.
Now, some flattery is blatantly obvious. Other times it's much more subtle. People tell us what we want to hear to control our behavior.
In Psalm 12:3 we read, "May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things." The writer David knew that flattery is a primary weapon in the arsenal of the ungodly. His prayer was that God would deal with those who butter people up only to batter them down. Flattery is selfish and offensive. It doesn't please God.
Let's let our lips be used in ways that honor the Lord and not for selfish gain. Take time to read God's Word today. It deals with the most practical issues of life. The Bible. Read it for answers. Read it for life. |
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