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. FLATTERY. "Now I exhort you, brothers, to keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them. For men of that sort are slaves, not of our Lord Christ, but of their own (appetites. NEB); and by smooth talk and complimentary (1) speech they seduce the hearts of guileless ones." (Rom 16:17,18).
"With his lips an enemy may speak you fair
but inwardly he harbours deceit; when his words are gracious, do
not trust him... he may cloak his enmity in
dissimulation (2)
...A lying tongue makes innocence seem guilty, and
smooth words conceal their sting." (From Prov 26:24 "A man who winks is plotting mischief; those who know him will keep their distance. He speaks sweetly enough to your face and admires whatever you say, but later he will change his tune and use your own words to trip you." (Eccus 27:22,23 NEB). "A man who flatters (3) his neighbour is spreading a net for his feet." (Prov 29:5 NEB). The Apostle Paul wrote: "We do not curry favour with men; we seek only the favour of God, who is continually testing our hearts. Our words have never been flattering words, as you have cause to know". (From 1 Thess 2:4,5 NEB).
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