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Proverbs 29:5

Proverbs 29:5 Proverbs

Pastor Albert N. Martin expounds Proverbs 29:5, which warns against the dangers of flattery. He vividly illustrates flattery as spreading a net to trap someone for selfish gain, contrasting it sharply with legitimate praise. Martin defines flattery as self-serving, excessive praise calculated to extract something from the flattered person, whether approval or material gain. In contrast, legitimate praise is selfless, freely given, and terminates on the person praised, expecting nothing in return. The sermon urges listeners, especially parents, to teach children this crucial distinction to guard against manipulation.

1 illustration in this sermon

Flattery as a Selfish Trap
palette metaphor

Flattery as a Hunter's Net

Driving home: A man that flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps. Here again, vivid imagery. The net was the trap by which you would catch the animal. When you spread a net, you're not doing anything for the good of the anim…

The imagery of spreading a net to catch an animal is used to illustrate flattery as a trap set for selfish purposes, not for the good of the one caught.

Chapter 29 verse 5. A man that flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps. Here again, vivid imagery. The net was the trap by which you would catch the animal. When you spread a net, you're not doing anything for the good of the animal. It is self-terminating. You want the animal for yourself.

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