Entrapment To Destroy

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The scribes and the chief priestsย tried to lay hands on Him that very hour, and they feared the people; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them.ย  So they watched Him, and sent spies whoย pretended to be righteous, in orderย that they mightย catch Him in some statement, so that theyย couldย deliver Him to the rule and the authority ofย the governor.ย  They questioned Him, saying, โ€œTeacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and Youย are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. ย Is itย lawful for usย to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?โ€ย ย  But He detected their trickery and said to them,ย โ€œShow Me aย denarius. Whoseย likeness and inscription does it have?โ€ย They said, โ€œCaesarโ€™s.โ€ย ย And He said to them,ย โ€œThenย render to Caesar the things that are Caesarโ€™s, and to God the things that are Godโ€™s.โ€ย ย And they were unable toย catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, they became silent. Luke 20:19-26 ,
The Pharisees here were clear examples of narcissists. ย There are several lessons on how narcissists operate from the above narrative:
  • The scoffers (narcissists) tried to eliminate the threat to their supremacy.
  • They attempted to entrap Jesus by presenting a no-win situation, on a subject that could get Him in deep trouble with the authorities if He answered wrong.
  • They sent others to do their dirty work (this time).
, Notice the flattery these Pharisees used as part of their work to ruin Jesus. ย  In verse 21, โ€œTeacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth.” ย This is what is discussed in Proverbs: ,
A lying tongue hatesย those it crushes,ย and aย flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28
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The First Will Be Last book cover - a biblical perspective on narcissism by D.C. Robertsson

Go Deeper: The First Will Be Last

What does the Bible say about narcissism, and how should a believer respond? This book walks through Scripture’s case studies, the key words the Bible uses, and practical counsel for those living or working with a narcissist.

Paperback, Kindle, and audiobook. For daily encouragement, see the 30-Day Journeys devotional series.

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Narcissist Tactics – Flattery

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Jude 16-19

16ย These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage. . ย 17ย But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18ย that they were saying to you, โ€œIn the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.โ€ 19ย These are the ones who cause divisions….. .
Narcissists are big flatterers. ย Many times it is obvious that they have something they are trying to get out of you through flattery and “buttering you up”, but sometimes it may not be so obvious. ย Or they may be setting you up through flattery for something even worse than just trying to get something from you. ย Either way, they they are using flattery in order to gain some kind of advantage over you in the pursuit of their desires, self-exaltation, or just plain winning. ย They are doing it to entrap you into something that will hurt you and benefit them. ย This flattery is not sincere, but instead is deceptive and manipulative.ย  The wise person will recognize the manipulation and insincere praise, and avoid them.. .

Romans 16:17-18

17ย Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18ย For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. .

Proverbs 29:5

5ย A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.

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Proverbs 26:28

28ย A lying tongue hates those it crushes, And a flattering mouth works ruin.

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Psalm 5:9

9ย There is nothing reliable in what they say; Their inward part is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue.

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Psalm 12:2


The First Will Be Last book cover - a biblical perspective on narcissism by D.C. Robertsson

Go Deeper: The First Will Be Last

What does the Bible say about narcissism, and how should a believer respond? This book walks through Scripture’s case studies, the key words the Bible uses, and practical counsel for those living or working with a narcissist.

Paperback, Kindle, and audiobook. For daily encouragement, see the 30-Day Journeys devotional series.

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Narcissist* v. Narcissist* – A Pure Power Play

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Many of the posts in this blog are about how narcissists (scoffers, haughty, those with insolent pride) relate to non-narcissists, whom they manipulate and push around in order to achieve their “rightful” place of superiority and/or dominance. ย But what happens when narcissists come up against each other?

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