“Let no one deceive you with empty words.” Ephesians 5:6 NKJV.

Words devoid of substance are unworthy of those who love truth.

My thoughts and comments today are about “flattery.”

Words have awesome potential. They can unite or divide people; they can edify people or destroy reputations. Words can convey truth or clever deception. The Bible has much to say about your words. Solomon observed, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 NKJV. Be wary of those who are always first to speak on any and every subject but have the least to say. They discount the value of their words.

The Bible cautions, “Let no one deceive you with empty words.” Ephesians 5:6 NKJV. Words devoid of substance are unworthy of those who love truth. One form of words devoid of substance is flattery. The Bible describes a flatterer this way, “When they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh.” 2 Peter 2:18 NKJV. Flattery is defined as: “to praise or compliment insincerely, effusively, or excessively.” At its core, flattery is self-centered, possessing the hidden intent of ingratiating the speaker more than elevating the recipient. With sadness, Paul described those whose selfish agenda was, “By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people.” Romans 16:18 NIV. Don’t be naïve; flattery feels good, sometimes too good, and can become addictive.

“They mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” Jude 16. Jude exposes the selfish motive for flattery. Flattery can be disguised to gain favor by falsely assigning or exaggerating virtues to someone. I love Jude’s description of flattery as, “great swelling words.” In past years, such people were described as being, “full of hot air.” Beware of flattery; it is usually unhealthy, sometimes even unholy. “A flattering mouth works ruin.” Proverbs 26:28 NKJV. “Let no one deceive you with empty words.” Ephesians 5:6 NKJV. Flattery can be mistaken for affirmation. Don’t be confused.

Unlike flattery, affirmation is selfless and sincere edification of another person through gracious words that encourage and strengthen another’s soul with truth. Everyone needs affirmation. When our children were young, my wise and Godly stepfather, Warren, frequently reminded me that, “children need a good number of ‘atta boys’ every day.” Every person, young or old, needs a healthy amount of honest, Godly affirmation. Sincere affirmation is a powerful source of confidence and assurance.

Paul’s New Testament letters are rife with sincere affirmation. Affirm lavishly; avoid flattery. David’s prayer should be yours and mine as well, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord.” Psalm 19:14 NIV. Amen.

Today, I pray that you are sufficiently affirmed and sincere when affirming others.