AVOIDING THE SLIPPERY PEOPLE

PROVERBS 28:23 NKJV 

23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward 

Than he who flatters with the tongue. 

Here is another example of how the wisdom of the Bible can be counterintuitive. Our current culture is very aware of the words we speak. Anything the least bit corrective or critical can draw a firestorm. 

At the risk of sounding like the grumpy guy, living in a clouded view of the past, we have become way too sensitive as a people. Things that were said 40 years ago would never fly today. And I am talking from the standpoint of what is said in the pulpits of America. 

The proverb for today is referring to a rebuke. Because we don't regularly use that word today, here is a good definition - to take to task, to correct or reprove. 

I don't think anyone enjoys being rebuked. And granted, some people do it rather harshly. But Jesus rebuked His disciples, and we know He loved them. 

Paul rebuked Peter. Timothy was instructed to rebuke the leaders who were in error. So rebukes were more commonplace in past generations. 

But rebukes are better than flattery. Flattery is taken from the Greek word meaning smooth or slippery. The Proverbs do not regard flattery well. Flattery works ruin. Flattery traps people. And flattery will not produce favor in the long run. 

Flattery uses smooth words to tell someone what they want to hear. And there is always an ulterior motive. Those who flatter do so to gain an advantage for themselves. Those who correct or rebuke others do so for the benefit of those receiving a rebuke. 

Flattery is defined in our terms as insincere or excessive praise. Flattery is never harsh. Flattery is smooth and slippery. 

APPLICATION: 

The big idea behind this devotional is not to encourage you to build relationships based on rebukes. But I would rather be rebuked by someone who loves me rather than be flattered by someone with an agenda. 

So beware the smooth-tongued slippery people who pour the praise on thick. They want something. They are not as amazed by you as much as you want to believe.  

So take their flattery with a skeptical eye. Believing their flattery is a slippery slope. And don't forget those who rebuke you. If they love you, they are much more helpful than the flatterers.