“He that rebukes a man afterwards shall find more favor than he that flatters with the tongue.” Proverbs 28:23
Flattery is a method in which the flatterer makes their impression. It is not for the good of the one receiving the flattering but for the one giving the flatter. Flattery is a type of “currency”, if you will, in which the one flattering, not the one receiving the flatter but giving the flatter, is benefited. They make the impression they were aiming to make.
However, they that rebuke shall find more favor because the rebuke is for the benefit of the one being rebuked. An “Open rebuke is better than secret love.” (Proverbs 27:5)
“23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
24 He that says unto the wicked, You are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.” Proverbs 24:23-25
Recognize who receives the benefit when one flatters and one rebukes.
-Donna Clark Warren
Living in The Spirit 