Flattery

“With persuasive words, she led him astray. With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him. He followed her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a fool stepping into a noose. (Pro 7: 21-22)

We all like to be admired. Leadership does attract attention from those in subordinate roles and from a larger section of community. It is easy to begin to believe that we are somehow special outside of our place in Christ.

Our vocation is just that, a calling of God aligned with the gifts and talents He has given us. All we have and all we are is from Him. When we are not fully centered in that reality we can succumb to the flattery of others and get puffed up with pride.

A vulnerably to flattery, that we all have to some measure, makes us vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation. The price of which can be quite devastating. In this instance a fall into adultery and its dire consequence.

But the principal is just as relevant in business. If you are being flattered, it may be a genuine compliment or it may be, as it often is, the desire of the other party to ingratiate themselves, based on some other agenda.

Quick Prayer: Protect me from flattering lips Lord, my self-esteem is in You. Amen.