“A flattering neighbor is up to no good; he's probably planning to take advantage of you.” (Proverbs 29:5 MSG)
Flattery preys upon the vanity of the recipient. It lays a beguiling trap and wheedles people into believing falsities and doing things they would normally not do. Flattery is not benign politeness. It is often a subtle form of manipulation employed by those who consider themselves shrewd.
Flattery is shallow and disingenuous. Deep down, it shows contempt for the intelligence of others. Flatterers have an agenda. They are attempting to influence others by their words. On the other hand, when you hold someone in high regard, you want to be influenced by them; you try to emulate them. True admiration takes devotion and dedication, which neither the charmer nor the sycophant is willing to commit.
“Between flattery and admiration there often flows a river of contempt.” (Minna Antrim)
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