Unlimited: Beware of Smooth Talk and Flattery
Jan 15, 2024 280
By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people (Romans 16:18b).
The apostle has carefully explained the Gospel of Jesus to the believers in Rome. He has then explained what the Gospel means to how we should live in response to the grace we have received. He has sent his personal greetings to those whom he knows in the Christian community in Rome.
Now, Paul turns his attention to a critical matter. He wants to warn the believers in Rome about what can cause them to deviate from the sound teaching which they have received, and that’s why he highlights “smooth talk and flattery.”
“Smooth talk” consists of words that are apparently sincere, mild and reasonable, and that seem to have a regard for the truth.
“Smooth talk” in the Greek is literally “good talk.” We are too easily impressed and swayed by those who speak well.
“Smooth talk” consists of words that are apparently sincere, mild and reasonable, and that seem to have a regard for the truth. Flattery, mixed with smooth words, are powerful ways to win someone to your way of thinking, to form parties, and bring division into the church.
Through these means, the naïve are deceived. The Greek literally means those who are without guile. This refers to those who are good people, unsuspecting of the agendas of others, and without the desire to deceive themselves. Through the manipulation of others, great evil has been perpetrated, and also allowed to be done, in the church.
Spiritual Application
Are you able to look back to a time when you were swayed, by someone in the church who used “smooth talk and flattery”, to believe or to do the wrong thing? What can you do to avoid that happening again in the future?
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