Fleeting Flattery

“They remembered that God was their Rock… Nevertheless they did flatter Him with their mouth, and they lied unto Him with their tongues.  For their heart was not right with Him” (Psalm 78:35-37).  “A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet… Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD” (Proverbs 29:5,26).  “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:43). 

How fleeting is the flattery

Which people seek for and applaud

That fills the heart with vanity

And fills the mouth with lies to God. 

Our hearts are plagued with sinful pride  

Which God would heal by removal

When we remember why Christ died

And thereby seek our Lord’s approval.

Has flattery for prayer sufficed? 

Our Lord disdains it in His sight! 

It neither honors Jesus Christ,

Nor shows a heart with God that’s right. 

It spreads a net before the feet

Of those to whom it is directed.

Though flattery at first seems sweet,

It stumbles those who are affected. 

It tends to make our hearts forget

That God’s approval is supreme,

And thus we fall into this net

By vainly seeking man’s esteem. 

Though many seek the ruler’s favor,

We stand at last before the Lord. 

Our life belongs to Christ the Savior;

Let Him honored and adored!

Lord, let Your gaze now melt as dross

The fleeting flattery that clings,

That we may glory in Your cross

And seek Your praise above all things.