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Proverbs 29:5

Proverbs 29:5

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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.

Primary Texts

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Proverbs 29:5 This verse is the sole focus of the sermon, providing the imagery and theological basis for Martin's discussion of flattery versus legitimate praise.

Outline 4 sections · 2 min

  1. Flattery as a Selfish Trap 0:00
  2. The Self-Terminating Nature of Flattery 0:22
  3. Legitimate Praise: Selfless and Giving 0:50
  4. Flattery's Deceptive Purpose and Parental Instruction 1:17

Key Quotes

“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.”
“Flattery always terminates upon self. I want something from the person I flatter. I want their approval. I want their money. I want something from them.”
“Legitimate praise always terminates on the person praised. You are giving something to them expecting nothing in return.”
“Flattery is excessive praise. I calculated to get something for myself from the person whom I flatter. He that flatters with his lips spreads a net for his steps. That is, he's out to catch him for his own ends.”

Applications

All listeners

  • We must teach our children the difference between flattery and legitimate praise.

A full transcript is available on the tab. 4 paragraphs, roughly 2 minutes.

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