Flattery

Beware the flatterer whose tongue drips honey but hides a knife.
Not all who praise you seek your good; some feed you sweet words to serve their own ends.
Value the friend who tells you a hard truth over the sycophant who tells you only what you wish to hear.
A mirror that lies about your reflection is worse than no mirror at all.
Do not let vanity deafen you to honest counsel.
Likewise, be sparing with flattery yourself – give praise only when earned.
Sincere words build trust; false praise builds traps.
Walk in truth and require truth from those around you – that is armor against deception.