Title
Do Not Flatter Yourself
Scripture
For he flatters himself in his own eyes.
(Psalm 36:2)
Devotional
There is no greater fool than the fool who fools himself. He who flatters himself, flatters a fool. God says of him, “There is no fear of God in him.” Flattery is the lowest form of worship. It is superficial and inordinate. It will always be accompanied by a self-serving motive. It is only used for the purpose of manipulation. If it is received, it is received in insecurity. The willing recipient of flattery is either desperately lustful or absurdly gullible. Flattery is likewise the lowest form of a complement. It is valueless. He who uses it does so to harm its recipient. It is the tool of the wicked. It has been a common device in our day. Nevertheless it is an implement to be discarded. It should not be in our repertoire of edification. It is to be reserved for the use of the wicked and the reception of fools. It is not for the godly nor designed for the prudent.