Beware of Flatterers
Proverbs 29:5

A man that flatters his neighbour spreads a net for his feet.

After every effort to arrest Jesus had proven abortive, some disciples of the Pharisees along with the Herodians, came to meet him with a readied question—they probably intended to create slander (Matt.22:16-18). Their intent was perfectly cloaked under the disguise of an accurately delivered praise. These were the flatterers who had hidden motives for their request but knowing fully that Jesus might not respond, garnished their presentation with a convincing tone of superlatives.

Presently, there have been several accounts of ministers, who had once display the unlimited power of God effectively but have become watered-down and deprived spiritually, due to their inordinate affection for sycophants who draw out commendation where there is none. Their acts are driven by the reason of human accolades. It seems they have forgotten that flatterers are ego boosters, who by unguarded outpour of eloquent words, set a trap by which the recipient lose every sense of godliness and character.

Satan our enemy may not always take the direct battle route all the time. Sometimes, he is just acting on a strategic detour, like becoming more of a deceptive admirer than a critic, so as to ignite the flame of arrogance of the heart for the purpose of absolute self-destruction.

Put it in mind, that as you go up the ladder of life, you are likely to receive flattery in one way or another. It is also important to be able to identify such gap where the enemy can lay a trap in this regard. Never forget that when you are criticized, it has the potential to move you to trusting God more in all things; but when you receive constant adulation at the detriment of factual consideration, you may eventually become complacent and arrogant. That precisely, is what the devil wants.

Psa.5: 8-9, Psa.12:2-3, Jer.9: 8.