1st Kings 22:11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, thus saith the Lord, with these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them. 12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-Gilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the king's hand.
In other words, when a person is motivated by praise and flattery, it can discombobulate the man, thus leading him like Humpty-dumpty to take a great fall. That was the last battle king Ahab fought, for he was slain because he craved flattery over truth, and anyone who is in a high position of trust, who caves, and melts before praise, will be in danger of making very bad decisions not only for themselves, but also for all those who are under their jurisdiction.
[Christ’s Object Lessons 161] We need to shun everything that will encourage pride and self-sufficiency; therefore, we should beware of giving or receiving flattery or praise. It is Satan’s work to flatter. He deals in flattery as well as in accusing and condemnation. Thus, he seeks to work the ruin of the soul. Those who give praise to men are used by Satan as his agents. Let the workers for Christ direct every word of praise away from themselves. Let self be put out of sight. Christ alone is to be exalted.
[3] The third and final point is for us to observe if there is any developing tendency in our lives to leave God out of the picture in certain circumstances. Some great men and some lay men fall into the habit of praying selectively, by which God’s guidance is sought for some things, but not for others. If we form the habit of seeking God in everything, then the likelihood of taking a serious fall goes way down. In the Bible, we are encouraged to seek The Lord in all our ways, and the promise is given, that God will direct our paths in right places.
Proverbs 3:4 So shall you find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of his word. God bless!