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originally posted by: Ophiuchus 13
Thank you ALL* so far for the input.
If there were to ever be such a question asked by Intelligent non-human CREATOR Creations or some advanced Intelligence designed by the CREATOR trying to understand Humanity many of you have provided beautiful and in-depth conscious answers great job
The act of pleasing by artful commendation; adulation; false, insincere, or excessive praise. It is usually done to gratify the self-love or vanity of the one flattered and is therefore damaging to him. Its motive is to gain favor or material benefits from another, to create a feeling of obligation toward the flatterer or to bring glory to him. Often it is designed to lead the other person into a trap. (Pr 29:5) The use of flattery is not evidence of the wisdom from above; it is of this world, being characterized by selfishness, the making of partial distinctions, and hypocrisy. (Jas 3:17) Insincerity, lying, adulating or glorifying men, and playing on the vanity of others are all displeasing to God.—2Co 1:12; Ga 1:10; Eph 4:25; Col 3:9; Re 21:8.
A contrast of the Christian course with that of flattery is found in the apostle’s words at 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6: “For the exhortation we give does not arise from error or from uncleanness or with deceit, but, just as we have been proved by God as fit to be entrusted with the good news, so we speak, as pleasing, not men, but God, who makes proof of our hearts. In fact, at no time have we turned up either with flattering speech, (just as you know) or with a false front for covetousness, God is witness! Neither have we been seeking glory from men, no, either from you or from others, though we could be an expensive burden as apostles of Christ.”
While the use of flattery may appear to be the gainful course, the Bible points out that “he that is reproving a man will afterward find more favor than he will that is flattering with his tongue.” (Pr 28:23) When a person employs flattery to gain advantage over another person, it is the opposite of love. A hater may resort to flattery but will eventually have his deceptiveness roll back on him like a stone.—Pr 26:24-28.
Flattery employs smooth talk in order to beguile its victim. The expressions “flattery,” “smooth tongue (lip, or words)” (Ps 5:9; 12:2, 3; Da 11:32), “smoothness” (Pr 7:21; Da 11:34, ftn), and “double-faced” (Eze 12:24, ftn) are translations of the Hebrew root word cha·laqʹ or related words. In every Bible instance cited, the motive of the smooth talker is bad.
... Also, when a Jewish ruler attempted application of the flattering title “Good Teacher” to Jesus Christ, Jesus instantly corrected him, saying: “Why do you call me good? Nobody is good, except one, God.”—Lu 18:18, 19; compare Job 32:21, 22.
originally posted by: whereislogic
Even the ones that answered with “42”? (funny)
originally posted by: whereislogic
Even if you don't count those, best be careful with all the flattery. “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads out a net for his feet.” (Proverbs 29:5)
originally posted by: whereislogic
Use discernment: Discernment is “acuteness of judgment.” It is “the power or faculty of the mind by which it distinguishes one thing from another.” A person with discernment perceives subtleties of ideas or things and has good judgment.
Using discernment, we will be able to recognize those who are merely using “smooth talk and complimentary speech” in order to “seduce the hearts of guileless ones.”
originally posted by: whereislogic
originally posted by: Ophiuchus 13
Thank you ALL* so far for the input.
If there were to ever be such a question asked by Intelligent non-human CREATOR Creations or some advanced Intelligence designed by the CREATOR trying to understand Humanity many of you have provided beautiful and in-depth conscious answers great job
Even the ones that answered with “42”? (from a movie, a bit of a lame scene of an otherwise funny movie, not that thoughtful, only mildly funny)
Even if you don't count those, best be careful with all the flattery. “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads out a net for his feet.” (Proverbs 29:5)
Flattery (Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 1)
The act of pleasing by artful commendation; adulation; false, insincere, or excessive praise. It is usually done to gratify the self-love or vanity of the one flattered and is therefore damaging to him. Its motive is to gain favor or material benefits from another, to create a feeling of obligation toward the flatterer or to bring glory to him. Often it is designed to lead the other person into a trap. (Pr 29:5) The use of flattery is not evidence of the wisdom from above; it is of this world, being characterized by selfishness, the making of partial distinctions, and hypocrisy. (Jas 3:17) Insincerity, lying, adulating or glorifying men, and playing on the vanity of others are all displeasing to God.—2Co 1:12; Ga 1:10; Eph 4:25; Col 3:9; Re 21:8.
A contrast of the Christian course with that of flattery is found in the apostle’s words at 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6: “For the exhortation we give does not arise from error or from uncleanness or with deceit, but, just as we have been proved by God as fit to be entrusted with the good news, so we speak, as pleasing, not men, but God, who makes proof of our hearts. In fact, at no time have we turned up either with flattering speech, (just as you know) or with a false front for covetousness, God is witness! Neither have we been seeking glory from men, no, either from you or from others, though we could be an expensive burden as apostles of Christ.”
While the use of flattery may appear to be the gainful course, the Bible points out that “he that is reproving a man will afterward find more favor than he will that is flattering with his tongue.” (Pr 28:23) When a person employs flattery to gain advantage over another person, it is the opposite of love. A hater may resort to flattery but will eventually have his deceptiveness roll back on him like a stone.—Pr 26:24-28.
Flattery employs smooth talk in order to beguile its victim. The expressions “flattery,” “smooth tongue (lip, or words)” (Ps 5:9; 12:2, 3; Da 11:32), “smoothness” (Pr 7:21; Da 11:34, ftn), and “double-faced” (Eze 12:24, ftn) are translations of the Hebrew root word cha·laqʹ or related words. In every Bible instance cited, the motive of the smooth talker is bad.
... Also, when a Jewish ruler attempted application of the flattering title “Good Teacher” to Jesus Christ, Jesus instantly corrected him, saying: “Why do you call me good? Nobody is good, except one, God.”—Lu 18:18, 19; compare Job 32:21, 22.
Always keep in mind that there are many today who would like to ‘delude us with persuasive arguments.’ (Colossians 2:4) How can you protect yourself from the types of people that the Bible calls “profitless talkers” and “deceivers of the mind”? (Titus 1:10) Once you are familiar with some of their tricks*, you are in a better position to evaluate any message or information that comes your way. Here is one way to do this:
Use discernment: Discernment is “acuteness of judgment.” It is “the power or faculty of the mind by which it distinguishes one thing from another.” A person with discernment perceives subtleties of ideas or things and has good judgment.
Using discernment, we will be able to recognize those who are merely using “smooth talk and complimentary speech” in order to “seduce the hearts of guileless ones.” (Romans 16:18) Discernment enables you to discard irrelevant information or misleading facts and distinguish the substance of a matter.
Other ways to evaluate any message or information that comes your way (or commentary on ATS that you read) and protect yourself from the types of people that the Bible calls “profitless talkers” and “deceivers of the mind” and those who are merely using “smooth talk and complimentary speech” (flattery) in order to “seduce the hearts of guileless ones”, are listed in the article linked in my signature.
Essentially, knowledge means familiarity with facts acquired by personal experience, observation, or study. The Bible strongly urges the seeking for and treasuring of right knowledge, recommending it rather than gold. (Pr 8:10; 20:15) Knowledge (Greek: gnoʹsis) is put in a very favorable light in the Christian Greek Scriptures. However, not all that men may call “knowledge” is to be sought, because philosophies and views exist that are “falsely called ‘knowledge.’” (1Ti 6:20)
Also remember that:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Pr 14:12) And:
“A fool will believe anything.” (Pr 14:15, TODAY’S ENGLISH VERSION). See alternate rendering and full quotation in my signature. *: the “tricks” I mentioned a little while ago, are discussed on the preceding page for the article linked there, flattery being one of them (discussed under "playing on the emotions", in particular regarding appeals to pride and reverse appeals to pride that play on our fear of seeming stupid, uninsightful, unenlightened, closed-minded, etc.
What is the meaning to you?
originally posted by: TzarChasm
...
You must be talking about stadium churches and televangelists who make bank preaching about "our lady of perpetual exemption".
Definition: The word philosophy is derived from Greek roots that mean “love of wisdom.” As used here, philosophy is not built on acceptance of belief in God, but it tries to give people a unified view of the universe and endeavors to make them critical thinkers. It employs chiefly speculative means rather than observation in a search for truth.
...
What is the origin of human philosophies?
They come from people who have limitations: ...
They are developed by humans who are imperfect: ...
They are influenced by demonic spirits: ...
Why is it an evidence of clear thinking to study the teachings of Jesus Christ instead of human philosophy?
...
How does God view the “wisdom” offered by human philosophy?
1 Cor. 1:19-25: “It is written: ‘I will make the wisdom of the wise men perish, and the intelligence of the intellectual men I will shove aside.’ Where is the wise man? Where the scribe? Where the debater of this system of things? Did not God make the wisdom of the world foolish? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not get to know God, God saw good through the foolishness [as it appears to the world] of what is preached to save those believing. . . . Because a foolish thing of God [as the world views it] is wiser than men, and a weak thing of God [as the world may see it] is stronger than men.” (Such a viewpoint on God’s part is certainly not arbitrary or unreasonable. He has provided in the Bible, the most widely circulated book in the world, a clear statement of his purpose. He has sent his witnesses to discuss it with all who will listen. How foolish for any creature to think that he has wisdom greater than that of God!)
In 1802, English clergyman and theologian William Paley expounded his reasons for belief in a Creator. ... For the simple reason that a watch has all the hallmarks of design and purpose.
PALEY’S ideas had a profound influence on the English naturalist Charles Darwin. Yet, contrary to Paley’s logic, Darwin later proposed that the apparent design in living organisms could be explained by a process that he termed “natural selection.” Darwinian evolution was seen by many as the definitive answer to arguments for design.
A great deal has been written on the subject since the days of Paley and Darwin. The arguments in favor of design on the one hand and of natural selection on the other have frequently been refined, elaborated on, and updated. And both sides of the subject have greatly influenced what people believe about purpose—or lack of purpose—in the universe. What you believe might well influence how purposeful you feel your life is. How so?
The Logical Consequences of Darwinism
Belief in Darwin’s theory has led many sincere people to conclude that their existence is devoid of real purpose. If the cosmos and everything in it are the product of spontaneous combinations of elements after the primordial big bang, then there can be no real purpose to life. The late Nobel Prize-winning biologist Jacques Monod stated: “Man knows at last that he is alone in the unfeeling immensity of the universe from which he emerged by chance. His destiny is nowhere spelled out, nor is his duty.”
A similar thought is expressed by Oxford professor of chemistry Peter William Atkins, who declares: “I regard the existence of this extraordinary universe as having a wonderful, awesome grandeur. It hangs there in all its glory, wholly and completely useless.”
By no means do all scientists agree with that outlook. And for very good reasons.
...
originally posted by: Ophiuchus 13
I seldom seek to flatter anyone. As I mentioned, I did appreciate the smiles they generated from me when I seen the post.
originally posted by: elysiumfire
Amazing how many bull# responses appeared over so many pages! I yawned my way through all of them.
originally posted by: elysiumfire
Amazing how many bull# responses appeared over so many pages! I yawned my way through all of them.
I have just come back from a visit to Manchester, here in England, and I saw the usual flotsam and jetsam of people, the detritus of a supposed civilised society. If Manchester is a typical example of humanity then it wants nuking without a second thought. I assume all cities in any country are the same examples of humanitarian #hole!
originally posted by: Blue Shift
There is no answer, because there is no question.
Existence simply is, and then it's not.
originally posted by: Bluntone22
originally posted by: Ophiuchus 13
But what is the meaning or symbolism behind #42?
a reply to: raedar
It's the answer to life, the universe, everything.....
Lol
Image result for the theory of incompletenesswww.youtube.com
Gödel's incompleteness theorems are two theorems of mathematical logic that demonstrate the inherent limitations of every formal axiomatic system capable of modelling basic arithmetic. These results, published by Kurt Gödel in 1931, are important both in mathematical logic and in the philosophy of mathematics.