Politicians flatter people to get votes and gain power. Some promised money in each voter’s bank account, another housing for all families, a small car for families with two children, making a nation great or a world power…etc. Common people are gullible consumers of such promises. The wicked world ruler will use flattery as an effective tool to gain overwhelming power in the Last Days. (Daniel 11:32)
Fake information: Flattery is generally the words of hope, encouragement, or promises people like to hear. It need not be fact or truth, just words that would boost their ego and bolster their self-esteem.
Prevail with tongues?: Tongues will be deployed as divisive, destructive, disastrous, and demonic weapons. (Psalms 12:3-5) David could fight wars, but fighting flattery, gossip, rumors, and misinformation was a tougher fight. False news whisperers could bring divisions in the church or any other institution. Destructive hate could be spread, which could end up in riots. By confusing people, making people fight with one another, misguiding people, and shattering young people’s dreams, they prevail over society or a nation.
Flattery of neighbours: Blessing a friend or neighbour with a loud voice (unnatural voice) early in the morning (unnatural time) is not a greeting, but is meant to flatter, manipulate, or even curse him/her. (Proverbs 27:14)
Digital flattery: Spreading slanders and rumors, and creating morphed photos and videos, with AI voice-over, are modern flatteries using social media platforms. Trolls are another form of flattery. To gain or retain the favor of their bosses, they would hound, hunt, and despise bosses’ enemies or competitors with wicked and demeaning words. By that, they may get promotions or monetary advantages.
Governing tongues: Benjamin Franklin said, “Since I cannot govern my own tongue, though within my own teeth, how can I hope to govern the tongues of others?” David felt this same frustration with the idle and destructive tongues of others. Godly people should seek the Lord, as Isaiah did, lips were touched by a live coal from the altar by an angel. (Isaiah 6: 7)
Do I glorify God alone with my tongue?