Title

Liars Hate and Flattery Ruins

Scripture
A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
(Proverbs 26:28)
Devotional
It is evident; those who lie about you hate you. And if you are hated, those who hate you will lie about you. 1 John 3:13 tells us, “Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.” (NIV)
Faith in Christ will always be maligned by those who reject Christ. Why? Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”(1) We may not like it. We may not believe it. Nevertheless, it is a fact that those who lie about us hate us.
In like manner, even their apparent compliments will be insincere. Like all flattery, its purpose is to deceive and hide true feelings.
The lesson is at least two-fold: do not be offended when others lie about you and do not be flattered by flattery. Likewise, if you find yourself lying about another, you have hate in your heart and if you flatter, it is to bring about ruin. Do neither.

(1) John 15:20
Text For The Day
Proverbs 26:28: A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
 
Thought For The Day
“Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not to envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate.” William Arthur Ward, pastor, author, and educator who has preached for over sixty years. 
Questions To Ponder
Morning Study Guide
Defining:  “Flattery”: False praise given for the sake of advantage, a bribe of the ego.
 
Referencing: “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet,” Proverbs 29:5.
 
Applying: By all means, complement that which is appreciated, but remember flattery is a snare.