Flattery

In Psalm 12, David cried out to the Lord asking Him for help! He was in anguish because he felt that Godly men had ceased!

Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases!
For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.

² They speak idly everyone with his neighbor;
With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

³ May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
And the tongue that speaks proud things, Psalm 12:1-3

David was appalled by those who had the audacity to use their words idly! The Bible consistently speaks against idle or flattering words in both the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. As a matter of fact, Jesus gave stern warnings about this issue:

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. …. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33, 36-37

Jesus reminded us that God takes what we say very seriously. We may forget about our idle words, but according to the above scripture God doesn’t ignore them.

David was so upset with those who were using their words idly that he asked the Lord to cut off their flattering lips! (Psalm 12:3) This is frightening! People cursing our idle lips and at the same time God not being pleased with them, should be enough to make us stop using flattering or idle words!

If you are a victim of other people’s idle words, Psalm 12:5 gives us reassurance that God will rise to take care of those who are poor or needy. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount stated: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

God’s power and provision flow towards those who have been impoverished in spirit! Is there anything greater than having and experiencing the kingdom of heaven!? God is able to give His children far more than what the enemy can steal through weak people being influenced by him.

God was faithful to David. He protected him from Saul who had turned into a maniac. He also fulfilled His purpose and promise in David’s life! Not only Saul’s efforts in killing David were futile, but he also could not thwart God’s plan for David’s life becoming the future king. Praise Him!

Today, surrender to the Lord those who have used their idle words against you. Ask Him to help you to do your part in not getting involved in idle chatter or flattery. Stay true to God, and He will give to you what He has set apart for you!