Encouragement vs. Flattery

[Gail]

What's the difference? Are they both good or is one better than the other?

Would also like to see Scripture references, if anybody has any.

(Was the topic of last week's sermon...)

[Woody]

The difference is that Encouragement will lift you up ... but flattery gets you nowhere.

Quote:

Job 17:5 "He that speaketh flattery to [his] friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail."

[cricket]

I think there is a degree of flattery that is acceptable and can make a world of difference to those receiving it. The kind of flattery that is good for the receiver and gains nothing for the giver.

[Gail]

Quote:

The difference is that Encouragement will lift you up ... but flattery gets you nowhere.

But- doesn't flattery lift you up as well?

[Woody]

That would be good flattery no doubt. I might even call it encouragement.

[Bravus]

I think cricket has hinted at the difference: flattery is intended to benefit the flatterer, encouragement is intended to benefit the encouraged. The exact same words might be flattery or encouragement, depending on the motives. Under that definition, I would say all flattery is attempted manipulation and is morally wrong, while all encouragement is unselfish action for others' benefit and is to be applauded.