Flattery a Trap

"An able-bodied man that is flattering his companion is spreading out mere nit for his steps." So says wise King Solomon, an dhow true that is! (Proverbs 29:5) The Pharisees tried to spread a trap for Jesus with flattery.  They  said: "Teacher, we know you are truthful, and you do not care for anybody, for you do not look upon men's outward appearance."  How disarming that sounded!  But Jesus was taken in by their smooth talk. He knew that they did not believe his truthful teaching but were just trying to trap him in his speech on the issue of paying tax to Caesar. -Matthew 22:15-22.

In sharp contrast with Jesus was first century King Herod.  When he gave a public address in the town of Caesarea, the people responded:  " A god's voice, and not  a man's!"  Instead of rebuking the people for such blatant, false praise, Herod accepted the flattery. Jehovah's angel brought instant retribution as Herod was stricken with a worm infestation that resulted in his death. -Acts 12:21-23.

A mature Christian will be alert to recognize flattery for what it is. Congregation elders should be partially wary when someone involved in a judicial matter is effusive with admiration, perhaps even to the point of comparing one elder with another and saying how much kinder and empathetic the one being spoken to was.

The Bible clearly shows another pitfall that flatter can pose when it describes how a young man is lured into immorality by a seductress.  (Proverbs  7:5, 2`) This warning is a germane to the situation today. Among those  who are disfellowshiped from the Christian  congregation each year, many are removed for immoral conduct. Could such a fall into gross sin have started with flattery?  Since humans are so desirous of compliments and of being well spoken of, smooth talk from flattering lips can lower a Christian's resistance  to improper conduct. When such is not guarded against, it could lead to serious consequences.

Next time: Safeguards Against Flattery

From the Watchtower magazine, 1998