If you were to buy a bowl that was advertised as being made of pure silver and later find out that it was actually a ceramic bowl covered in a thin layer of silver, it would become obvious that you were deceived. In the same way, warm and loving words can be used to conceal a wicked heart. In a fallen world that is seething with the desire for selfish gain we must beware of those who are masters of manipulation through flattery. If we aren’t careful, this truth can lead us into becoming cynical toward any act of kindness or friendship. However, the point of wisdom here is that the heart is not revealed by words, but through habitual actions. An individual, who wants to take advantage of you, will butter you up with kind words, and eventually begin to ask you to do things that do not make sense. If we would be wise, we must learn to discern fruit, not just words. May Christ give us the ability to exercise discernment without becoming cynical and cold toward those we meet.