Category Archives: Flattery

Two visitors discussing a framed landscape painting in an art gallery
Bible, Deceit, Deception, Evil, Flattery, Romans, Scripture

SMOOTH TALKERS

ROMANS 16:18

“For such people are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.”

When I read today’s verse, my mind immediately went to campaign speeches from politicians. Not all of them, mind you. But you can just tell when someone is “blowing smoke up your skirt” as a former boss of mine used to say. Some people will say anything to get you on their side. They’ll make promises with no intention of ever keeping them. Paul warns us of that today.

In verse 18 of this final chapter of Romans, Paul continues his thought from verse 17. After he told them to “keep your eyes” on certain people, he exposes these people’s motives. Smooth talking and flattery are two ways people will cause those dissensions and hindrances we talked about yesterday. And the end result is “they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” That’s why you have to be a student of the Word.

APPLICATION

Barnes says this about that smooth talking. He says it is “Mild, fair, plausible speeches; with an appearance of great sincerity, and regard for the truth. People who cause divisions commonly make great pretensions to peculiar love of truth and orthodoxy; and put on the appearance of great sincerity, sanctity, and humility.” Paul warned the Colossians of the same thing in Colossians 2:4 where it says, “I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments.” And we see Peter give us warning in 2 Peter 3:3. “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts,”

The Greek word for “flattering” is eulogia. Does that word look familiar? We get our word “eulogy” from that. You can go to the funeral of the worse person you knew and when they get up to eulogize them, all you hear is the good things. I am not saying you should speak evil of the dead. Funerals are for those left behind, not the dead. The Greek word has the idea of flattery or adoration. That’s what these people were doing in the church. They were giving all kinds of compliments to people to gain their trust.

Don’t fall for this! Be on the alert for the flattering tongue, for the smooth talker. When you are in the Word, you can recognize those things that are untrue a mile off. If you aren’t, you will get fooled 9 times out of 10. We should appreciate compliments when they are given out of true motives but beware of those words when there are strings attached.

Lord, I know You are truth. Help me spot the truth when I see it and untruth when it is presented as truth.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Flattery, Obedience, Praise, Scripture, Servant, Service

PRAISE FROM GOD

ROMANS 2:29

“But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God.”

Oh, to receive praise from the Lord! Doesn’t the last part of that verse just thrill you? Sadly, many of us prefer the applause of man. We had rather have our names up in lights and be the keynote speaker at a conference than quietly receive praise from God. Let me tell you, the praise of men is fleeting. One minute you’re the cat’s meow and the next you’re yesterday’s headline. You have to set your priorities.

Paul wraps up a discourse that he has had since verse 17 dealing with the Jews. I really love how he ends this with mentioning the praise from God. Most of the Jews preferred men’s praise. They wanted to be recognized and honored. Paul, being a former Pharisee, could relate to that. I am sure many a Jew showed him earthly honor as a Pharisee. But oh, how empty it was.

APPLICATION

1 Samuel 16:7 tells us, “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” As Samuel looked for the next king of Israel, he naturally assumed it would be Eliab, Jesse’s oldest. But the Lord quickly said these words to him. Don’t assume because something looks like the right thing that it is the right thing. We have to seek the Lord’s mind on these things.

I have had the honor of leading some great organizations in my ministry years. As part of my role, I have been recognized for my leadership and dedication. I even received plaques and certificates saying so. Guess where those plaques are now – in the garbage. I moved them from place to place and hung them for years on my office walls. But a few years back the Lord told me to discard them. They meant nothing eternally.

There is nothing wrong with praising others. In fact, we should do that when we see them doing something that honors our Lord. We should praise our children for doing good. But the ultimate praiseworthy statements come from God. We want Him to look at us and be pleased. As His child, He loves us no matter what, but we all desire to hear Him say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

O Lord, I want to honor You by serving You. I long to hear You whisper praise over me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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