Title

Know the Difference

Scripture
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
(Proverbs 29:5)
Devotional
Flattery always has a motive behind it. Its purpose is to deceive and win unmerited favor. A compliment on the other hand is to be given with the greatest of sincerity. Its purpose is to recognize a character trait that is honorable and exemplary. Flattery’s motive is always self-serving. As our text so clearly portrays, it “spreads a net for his feet.” If you find yourself being flirtatious, stop, repent of your wickedness and tell the truth in love. That is what a true compliment is, the truth spoken in love. Make sure that your purpose is always for the benefit of another. If what you say is to gain favor deceptively, what you are saying is a lie. Compliment. Tell others when they look good or do a good job, but do so always for the sake of edification-never for the sake of selfish gain. Know or learn the difference between flattery and a genuine compliment.
Text For The Day
Proverbs 29:5: A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 
Thought For The Day
“‘Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.’ Then for practice, many give out specious pretences, as if they were what indeed they are not. Be what you would be accounted to be. It is hypocrisy that overacts to the world. We know counterfeit gold because it looketh so yellow: 2 Sam. 15:6, Absalom stole hearts of the men of Israel by flattery, and fair but false pretences. But we should eye our pattern.” A Practical Exposition Upon The Fifty-Third Chapter Of Isaiah, by Thomas Manton, (1620–1677), Spurgeon said of Manton: “A chief among theologians.” “Ministers who do not know Manton need not wonder if they are themselves unknown.”
Questions To Ponder
Morning Study Guide
Defining:  “Flattery”: Praise and complements for the sake of gaining an advantage by taking advantage of the ego and pride of another. Therefore, those who give and those who receive flattery are at times equally culpable.
 
Referencing: “A flattering mouth works ruin,” Proverbs 26:28.
 
Applying: Remember, flattery comes in a variety of shapes: flirtation, patronizing, toying, and the like. It is always seductive.