“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
Neither lying nor flattering represents the truth. Flattery may seem kind at times. Perhaps it is, but it is still not being entirely truthful. As we saw a few verses ago Jesus called Himself “The Truth”. His reference was being the only way to God in a world offering many false gods and many false ways to the one true God. Oprah and others promote a belief that there are many paths up the same mountain that end at the same God. That is not only a very dangerous lie, it is an attempt to falsely flatter all religions and make them feel important and valued. It will leave many outside God’s eternal kingdom. That is neither kind nor flattering. It is actually hateful and that word best describes the father of lies. The target of Satan’s lies are clearly his enemies and no amount of flattery changes that. I need the truth whether I feel like I want to hear it or not. Ultimately everyone does. The opposite of this untruthful and flattering person is the Christ follower who speaks the truth in love. We are called to this kind of honest communication. The truth without love is legalism. That is not what God is looking for from His children. However, just as dangerous, or maybe more so is love without the truth. That is a lie. Today remain silent when possible and when not then speak truth covered with genuine love. #BeTheEdge
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV
