Proverbs 29:5-6 (ESV)
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
The hunter carefully lays a net to trap his prey, and in the same way, the flatterer selects choice words to seduce his victim. Eventually, the one who manipulates words for personal gain will be ensnared by her own strategies. The wise woman cautiously observes the words and actions of others, walking freely without fear as a result. She isn’t won over by inflated praises. Many wise people have been toppled not only by hurtful words, but by smooth talk as well. How do you respond to overly gracious words about your character, your abilities, or your appearance? Do you become puffed up and primed for the kill? Or do you accept compliments tactfully and with an attitude of reasonableness? The one who builds you up may be the first to rip you down. Watch out for agenda-driven flattery, resisting the desire to think more highly of yourself than you ought.