Backslappers help us feel better about ourselves, but we don’t actually profit by them. Real change and emotional growth come by facing our weaknesses and personality defects as others see us.
Be as much troubled by unjust praises, as by unjust slanders.
A Puritan Golden Treasury, compiled by I.D.E. Thomas, by permission of Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA. 2000, p. 110.
Gossip is saying behind a person’s back what you would never say to his or her face; flattery is saying to a person’s face what you would never say behind his or her back.
Flattery is sinful because it strongly appeals to our prideful tendency to be affirmed by man.
What is flattery? It is superficial, selfish pandering often used to get what someone wants. The goal is to elevate someone in their own mind in order to get them to say what you want to hear.
An Answer for the Ages, Luke 20:20-26, May 3, 2020.
When the wolf licks the lamb, he is preparing to wet his teeth in its blood.
Treasury of David, Commentary for Psalm 5:9
