What other scriptures emphasize the dangers of flattery and partiality? \Setting the Scene: Job 32:22\ “For I do not know how to flatter; otherwise my Maker would quickly take me away.” (Job 32:22) Elihu’s conviction rings out: flattery is deadly because God, who sees every motive, will judge it. Scripture repeatedly echoes this warning, tying flattery and partiality to deception, injustice, and divine displeasure. \Flattery: Smooth Words, Hidden Snares\ • Proverbs 26:28 – “A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.” • Proverbs 29:5 – “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” • Psalm 12:2-3 – “They speak falsehood to one another; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. … May the LORD cut off all flattering lips.” • Psalm 55:21 – “His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart.” • Proverbs 7:21-23 – The adulteress “seduces him with flattering talk,” leading him “like an ox going to the slaughter.” • Jude 1:16 – False teachers “flatter others for the sake of gain.” Takeaway: Flattery is love of self draped in counterfeit kindness. It traps the unsuspecting, feeds pride, and provokes God’s judgment. \Partiality: Favoritism God Forbids\ • Leviticus 19:15 – “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich.” • Deuteronomy 1:17 – “Do not show partiality in judgment; hear both small and great alike.” • Proverbs 24:23 – “To show partiality in judgment is not good.” • Proverbs 28:21 – “To show partiality is not good—yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.” • James 2:1-9 – Showing favoritism in the assembly dishonors the poor and violates the royal law, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” • 1 Timothy 5:21 – “Maintain these principles without prejudice, and do nothing out of partiality.” • Colossians 3:25 – “The wrongdoer will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no partiality.” Takeaway: Partiality warps justice, mocks the image of God in every person, and invites divine recompense. \The Character of God: Impartial and True\ • Deuteronomy 10:17 – “The LORD your God… shows no partiality and accepts no bribe.” • Acts 10:34 – “God does not show favoritism.” • Romans 2:11 – “There is no partiality with God.” • 1 Peter 1:17 – The Father “judges each one’s work impartially.” Because God is absolutely truthful and impartial, He detests any speech or action—flattery or favoritism—that contradicts His nature. \Why Flattery and Partiality Often Travel Together\ • Both rely on deceptive appearances (smooth words or selective treatment). • Both seek personal advantage—winning approval, influence, or gain. • Both undermine justice and truth, replacing God-centered integrity with self-interest. • Both provoke God’s judgment, as Job fears in 32:22. \Living the Contrast: Honest Speech, Impartial Love\ • Ephesians 4:25 – “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully.” • Proverbs 27:6 – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” • James 3:17 – Wisdom from above is “peace-loving, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy… without partiality and without hypocrisy.” Through truthful words and equitable treatment we reflect the character of our impartial, truth-speaking God—and avoid the snare that Elihu so wisely refused. |
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