Why is it important to speak truthfully without flattery according to Job 32:21? The backdrop of Job 32:21 Job’s friend Elihu breaks his silence. After listening to arguments that went nowhere, he pledges: “ I will show no partiality to any man or flatter any man.” (Job 32:21) The very next line nails down the reason: “ For I do not know how to flatter; if I did, my Maker would soon take me away.” (32:22) What flattery really is • More than polite praise; it is exaggerating or twisting words to gain favor. • Often masks selfish motives—Prov 26:28: “A flattering mouth works ruin.” • Rooted in partiality, the opposite of God’s impartial justice—Acts 10:34. Why God insists on truth over flattery • Flattery offends God’s character – Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that He should lie.” – When we flatter, we misrepresent the God whose image we bear. • Flattery harms both speaker and hearer – Proverbs 29:5: “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” • Flattery invites divine judgment – Elihu fears that God would “take him away” if he practiced it (Job 32:22). – Psalm 12:3: “May the LORD cut off all flattering lips.” • Truth builds, flattery destroys – Ephesians 4:15: “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ.” • Honor God above people – Galatians 1:10: “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Practical ways to avoid flattery and embrace truth 1. Check motives before speaking—ask, “Am I seeking their good or my gain?” 2. Speak honest encouragement—specific, accurate, God-centered praise (1 Thessalonians 5:11). 3. Refuse partiality—treat all alike, from CEO to custodian (James 2:1-4). 4. Anchor words in Scripture—let God’s standards shape compliments. 5. Invite accountability—welcome friends who will gently correct exaggeration. Living it out Truthful speech frees us from people-pleasing, points others to the Lord, and keeps our conscience clear before the One who “desires truth in the inmost being” (Psalm 51:6). By refusing empty flattery, we echo Elihu’s resolve and honor the God who cannot lie. |
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