Flattery

Flattery Toward God is a Serious Offense

The writer states in this passage that the people flattered Him with their mouth, lied to Him with their tongue, had a heart that was not steadfast with Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant (vv. 36,37). The dictionary says flattery is to compliment insincerely. We flatter …

An Honest Ruler Makes a Nation Strong

A man who stubbornly refuses correction destroys himself and any hope he may have for the future (v. 1). I can think of several men who destroyed their ministry by refusing to admit their error. When righteous leaders are in control even the unbelievers will be glad. On the other hand, when …

The Rise of an Evil King From the North

During his brief reign, Seleucus V taxed the people greatly. His Jewish tax collector, Heliodorus, took matters into his own hands and poisoned his master (v. 20). This assassination only set the stage for someone much worse. Verse 21 says, “In his place will arise a contemptible (evil) …

IllustrationFlattery Analogies

Someone has said, “Flattery is like perfume. The idea is to smell it, not swallow it.” Another suggested, “Flattery is like counterfeit money which, but for vanity, would have no circulation.” Most of us would rather be hurt by flattery than helped by criticis …

IllustrationTwo Different Views of Flattery

The brilliant physician and writer Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., and his brother John represent two radically different views on the subject of flattery. Dr. Holmes loved to collect compliments, and …