Proverbs 28:23 - He who rebukes a man, will find "more favor" afterward, Than he who flatters with the tongue (NKJV)
Notice: Favor can grow/increase! If you do something correctly, then afterwards more favor can come! In other words "Doing what's right, multiplies favor".
How does favor develop in my soul? What is the Human Characteristic of Favor? How does Favor affect my soul?
The contrast here is Favor versus Flattery...
People in the world who:
. Do not know God
. And are not sensitive to their conscience
Use "Flattery" and sweet words to get their way or "Manipulate" for personal gain.
But in the Kingdom of God we must be different. And the favor of God comes to our lives not by God sweet talking us. Purity and a clean conscience cause us to say the right thing out of a pure heart "without" motive!
"Rebuke" in this scripture is a word that means to "reason" together "honestly".
To correct one another "honestly"
It is the same word used in Isaiah 1:18 "Come now let us "reason" (rebuke) together. He means let us be honest with one another, let us be direct and truthful with one another...
So "honesty" brings FAVOR in the soul!
You see God is dealing (in this life) with our "SOUL". He is renewing and transforming us in the soul!
We must be honest with one another and not hide things that will transform the soul!
Though honesty can sometimes make people angry with you...it's always the best policy.
I prefer honesty with the pain of it, than (dis)honesty without the pain.
. The consequence of dishonesty is TOO costly!
. Honesty in the end, will triumph into FAVOR.
You can be honest, sincere, and true to your conscience and still be blessed without manipulation and flattery.
Friendship and Fellowship is based on honesty not flattery. A real friend will tell you the truth even at the cost of the friendship for a season.
