Proverbs 26 2.26.13

Proverbs.26.Rod.2.26.13

“SUBTLE TRAPS”

Rod shares: “I found that flattery is usually the truth with a few lies mixed in, disguised to lure me into a place or situation that I would eventually hate.”

Have you ever fallen into the trap of offering up empty flattery to someone in a situation where it was not really appropriate? (EG) in a business deal of in a family relationship?

Empty flattery is not real and can come back to hurt you when it is perceived by someone as a lie or deceit. Rod says do not go there.

On the other side of that coin have you been prideful in response to words of  praise that you should have deflected to someone else, even perhaps to the Lord?

Well whatever else you do today please make sure to:

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

INSIGHTS/THOUGHTS

Haven’t we all, at some time in our lives, felt the need to avenge a wrong that we thought was done to us.  Well, how did that work out for you?  More times than naught, it was like pulling a rifle out of the dirt and with the barrel clogged, you couldn’t wait to shoot that “dastardly cur”, so you aimed and fired only to have it blow up in your face.  Many times when we set traps for someone else to fall in, we sometimes fall into ourselves.  Lies are opposite of truth and if we perpetrate a lie to hurt someone, it can become like a boomerang and return back to the liar.  Satan is the father of all lies and has been the main perpetrator of all lies against God from Genesis to Revelation.  The book of James (4:11-12) says, “don’t say cruel things about others!  If you do , or if you condemn others, you’re condemning God’s law and if you condemn God’s law, you’re putting yourself above the law and refuse to obey either it or God who gave it.  God is our judge and He can save or destroy us.  What gives us the right to condemn others?”  Traps are set for the enemy, like in warfare.  We need to depend on God to avoid Satan’s traps.  It gives an advantage or an edge for the aggressor, if he can get away with it.  God can allow traps we set against other to be our own.  In the book of Esther, Haman set out to trap Mordecai, a Jewish man, who he hated because he refused to acknowledge him with honor publicly and had a gallows built to have that Jew hanged, until a lie was brought to the attention of the King Xerxes and ordered, instead, Haman to be hanged on his own gallows, that was meant for Mordecai.  God never allows lies or liars to prevail, they will all be brought to light, sooner or later.  God’s Word is for real!  God is the Truth!

OPENING PRAYER

I’m sorry for my lying tongue towards another.  Help me to be careful and give aide to those in need, instead of being the one who condemns.  Help me to love others as You do.

In Jesus name only do I pray.  Amen.

KEY VERSES

Proverbs 26:27-28  “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and He who rolls a stone will have it to roll back on him.  A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

APPLICATION TO MY LIFE

I found that flattery is usually the truth with a few lies mixed in, disguised to lure me into a place or situation that I would eventually hate.  It’s a trap!  Unmerited flattery always has strings attached. 

CLOSING PRAYER

Help me to brag on someone, without lying or with strings attached and keep into the context of God’s Word.  Help me to love others as you expect us to and pray for my fellowmen often and consistently.  Someone does that for me.  In Jesus name.  Amen.