“A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin.
My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery.
Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot. People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.
In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.”
{Proverbs 26:28; Psalm 5:9; Proverbs 26:23-26; Proverbs 28:23}