Beware of Flattery

BEWARE OF FLATTERY

[22:15] Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel HOW THEY MIGHT ENTANGLE HIM IN HIS TALK.

[22:16] And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

[22:17] Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

[22:18] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

[22:19] Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

[22:20] And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

[22:21] They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

[22:22] When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

(Matthew 22:15 - 22) My dear Brother or Sister in Christ, consider the flattering language with which our Lord was accosted by His enemies. "Teacher," they said, "we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren't partial to anyone." How well these Pharisees and Herodians talked! What smooth and sugarcoated words these were! They thought, no doubt, that by good words and fair speeches they would throw our Lord off His guard.

Be on your guard against FLATTERY at this end of the world. Consider the many examples which God has given you in Scripture for your learning. What brought about the ruin of Samson? It was not the armies of the Philistines, but the pretended love of a Philistine woman (Judges 16:4 - 21). What led to Solomon's backsliding? It was not the strength of his outward enemies, but the flattery of his numerous wives (1 Kings 11:1 - 10). What was the cause of king Hezekiah's greatest mistake? It was not the sword of Sennacherib, or the threats of Rabshakeh, but the flattery of the Babylonian ambassadors (Isaiah 39:1 - 6). Continually remember these things. BEWARE OF THE FLATTERER. Satan is never so dangerous as when he appears as an angel of light at this end of the world.

Paul Fonsi