How can we guard against "flattering lips" in our daily conversations? The warning in Psalm 12:3 “May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things.” God takes smooth-talking deception so seriously that He promises judgment on it. Because we love the Lord, we want our words to please Him, not provoke Him. Encouragement versus flattery • Encouragement speaks truth to build up. (Ephesians 4:15) • Flattery speaks exaggeration or half-truths to get something. (Proverbs 29:5) Key question to ask ourselves before we speak: Am I seeking the other person’s good, or am I seeking my own advantage? Why flattery is spiritually dangerous • It hides a selfish heart. (Psalm 5:9) • It sets a trap for the hearer and the speaker. (Proverbs 26:28) • It breeds pride and weakens trust. (Psalm 12:2) • It provokes God’s judgment. (Psalm 12:3) Guarding the heart first • Daily surrender motives to the Lord. (Psalm 139:23–24) • Cultivate the fear of God to outweigh the fear of man. (Galatians 1:10) • Meditate on Scripture so truth fills the inner wellspring. (Psalm 119:11) Practical daily safeguards 1. Pause and pray before speaking—especially when tempted to win favor. 2. Speak concrete facts, not vague superlatives. (“I loved how you explained that concept,” instead of “You’re the smartest person ever!”) 3. Use Scripture to shape compliments. “I see Christ’s humility in you.” 4. Invite accountability: ask a trusted believer to point out careless praise. 5. Choose honesty even when it risks disapproval. (Colossians 3:9–10) 6. Redirect praise upward: “I’m grateful the Lord gifted you that way.” 7. Let love be genuine; silence is better than manipulative praise. (Romans 12:9) Words that build without baiting • Affirm character and effort, not just results. (Proverbs 31:30) • Offer constructive truth when correction is needed. (Proverbs 28:23) • Bless others with Scripture itself. (Numbers 6:24–26) Such speech honors God and strengthens brothers and sisters. A closing resolve “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3) By His grace, we commit to truthful, loving, God-honoring words—and we leave flattering lips behind. |
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