Proverbs
Flattery is a dishonest or insincere form of praise, given in order to manipulate the hearer by playing on his or her pride. It is warned against in many places, including Proverbs. What is it about this tendency that makes it so effective and makes it so easy to receive?
Truth has as it main competitors things like popular opinion, subjective personal feelings, various forms of power, and individual preferences. But as strong as these are in their pull and influence, wisdom calls out and reminds us that TRUTH matters more than these things.
When it comes to the phrase “Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise,” most people want just the first two. Some preachers promise the first two (health & wealth) with little regard to the third. According to one of the wisest people in history, this is a foolish but seductive misordering of priorities. Wisdom is more valuable than any riches or possessions. Why? This message offers the wise man’s explanation and defense of that claim.