WISDOM'S JOURNEY: Flatterers or Truth-Speakers? Proverbs 28:23
Would you rather have Flatterers or Truth-Speakers?
TODAY'S PROVERB: One who rebukes a man will in the end find more favor than one with a flattering tongue. Proverbs 28:23
There are two types of flatterers:
1. The weak "yes-man"
2. The calculating sycophant.
The yes-man always agrees with the one they admire--whether a leader, friend, or public figure. Their goal is to please however and whenever they can. They have difficulty thinking for themselves and seek their leader to decide for them. It's nearly impossible for them to think critically because they view it as negativity, and therefore disloyalty toward the one they admire.
The sycophant, on the surface seems like a yes-man, but in reality uses flattery to gain an advantage over the leader, friend, or public figure. They have their own agenda and create a false sense of security in those they work for or with whom they are friendly. If their efforts are unfruitful they will move on and find someone else to use. If they succeed in their efforts they will move on taking whatever they can with them.
Both types of flatterers are of no value to us. One sees us unrealistically, the other sees us as a means to success. Both are a waste of time and can have painful results.
If people only tell us what they think we want to hear, we'll never mature emotionally or spiritually.
As an author, I know that conflict is necessary to my character's development. The hero journey is fraught with conflict from others. They learn from opinions and experiences different than their own.
Having people in our lives that are honest and supportive are treasures. They know when to encourage and when to tell us we're wrong. Even if we don't agree with someone who corrects us, be grateful that they care enough to do it.
May we treasure honest friends, my friends.
Proverbs 28:23, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
There are two types of flatterers:
1. The weak "yes-man"
2. The calculating sycophant.
The yes-man always agrees with the one they admire--whether a leader, friend, or public figure. Their goal is to please however and whenever they can. They have difficulty thinking for themselves and seek their leader to decide for them. It's nearly impossible for them to think critically because they view it as negativity, and therefore disloyalty toward the one they admire.
The sycophant, on the surface seems like a yes-man, but in reality uses flattery to gain an advantage over the leader, friend, or public figure. They have their own agenda and create a false sense of security in those they work for or with whom they are friendly. If their efforts are unfruitful they will move on and find someone else to use. If they succeed in their efforts they will move on taking whatever they can with them.
Both types of flatterers are of no value to us. One sees us unrealistically, the other sees us as a means to success. Both are a waste of time and can have painful results.
If people only tell us what they think we want to hear, we'll never mature emotionally or spiritually.
As an author, I know that conflict is necessary to my character's development. The hero journey is fraught with conflict from others. They learn from opinions and experiences different than their own.
Having people in our lives that are honest and supportive are treasures. They know when to encourage and when to tell us we're wrong. Even if we don't agree with someone who corrects us, be grateful that they care enough to do it.
May we treasure honest friends, my friends.
Proverbs 28:23, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
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