Daily Bread 1-13-17

Proverbs 26:28

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worth ruin.

ref. - Prov 13:6 - Righteousness kept him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

Sometimes we think that we "know" someone, or that we can help someone by maybe telling them a little lie to boost their spirits. Sometimes we think that we will gain the attention and favor of others towards Christ by boasting on someone or bragging on them when there really is nothing to brag about. What this actually does is draw them to us and away from Christ. We do this with good intentions but our faith is weak in that we think we know better than the word of God, the Spirit of God, and the will of God. Here in Proverbs it tells us what we are doing to those we lie to and deceive with false flattery. We truly think that we love these people and are doing them good but, in turn, the word of God says that we hate them. We are not going to help them at all but destroy them if we lie to them trying to protect or save them. The flattery of their self worth overshadows humility and the goodness of God. This does not mean to never compliment someone for well doing, it means that we do not have to lie to do it. To give a compliment is not flattery, flattery is to over compliment or support someone who is in need of correction by approving their actions. This is the definition from the dictionary; flattery - to encourage or gratify especially with the assurance that something is right. Another term is beguile - To lead by deception. We are doing no one any favors by lying to and flattering people. It may keep them on our doorstep for awhile but it will make it harder for them to see the truth when it is given to them. In todays society we are taught to get what we need by any means necessary and to do it with as little effort as possible. This is why there are thousands of false doctrines going around, damnable heresies, in order to lure people into a false gospel. Instead of lies and flattery that are tools of the world and worldly people, let us become faithful stewards of the word of God, dividing it rightly in the Holy Ghost, and using God's grace and not the grace that we were taught by the world. Let us, also become a people that can help others by using the truth and reality of the Gospel of God. It will be then that we will truly help people and love people. Do not destroy, build up! the world tells us. This is great advice but we must not try to build up the Christian with the ways of the world. This building will fall as it is a house built on the sand with no foundation. Build upon the rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ. The way, the truth, and the life!! Remember, honesty and truth will help others a lot further than lies and flattery. Have a great day!!!!