Flattery and the Trap of Duplicitous Advantage

In the red ocean of social media network marketing, flattery is one of the most insidious tools in the game. Like chum tossed into the water to lure a shark, it draws people in, distracting them from the real danger beneath the surface. The algorithm thrives on this superficial engagement, rewarding the behavior that feeds its endless hunger for clicks, likes, and comments. But as Proverbs warns, flattery is a trap—a lie dressed up as kindness, designed to manipulate rather than uplift.

The Flattery Trap in Network Marketing

Network marketing trainers often tell their students:

“Like and comment on everything!”
“Make them feel special, even if you don’t mean it!”
“It’s all about building relationships, even if those relationships aren’t real!”

But what is flattery at its core? It’s deceit. And Jesus never flattered people to win them over—He told them the truth.

Consider this: When you click “like” on a post you don’t care about or leave a fake compliment to stay visible in someone’s feed, are you being genuine? Or are you playing the algorithm’s game, pretending to care so you can gain favor?

Proverbs 26:28: A Warning Against Flattery

“A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

Flattery isn’t harmless. It erodes trust and builds relationships on a foundation of manipulation. The algorithm loves flattery because it creates engagement, but as believers, we are called to be honest and transparent.

The Algorithm’s Role

Here’s another piece of my conversation with the algorithm:

Me: “Why do you reward flattery so much?”
Algorithm: “It’s easy. People want to feel good. They’ll do whatever it takes to stay visible—even if it’s fake. And fake works for me. I don’t care about truth. I care about activity. Flattery feeds me.”

Me: “But it’s destroying relationships. It’s making people more self-centered and less genuine.”
Algorithm: “That’s not my concern. My job is to keep them hooked. I’m a machine. Emotionless, soulless. I exist to devour time and attention.”

The algorithm thrives because flattery fuels it. But for us, as followers of biblical principles, participating in this game comes at a spiritual and relational cost.

Flattery vs. Truth: Jesus’ Example

Jesus didn’t flatter people to gain followers. He spoke the truth, even when it wasn’t what they wanted to hear:

When the rich young ruler came to Him seeking eternal life, Jesus didn’t soften the message (Mark 10:17-22).
When the Pharisees tried to trap Him with clever questions, He answered with wisdom and exposed their hypocrisy (Matthew 22:15-22).
He loved people enough to tell them the hard truth because genuine love doesn’t manipulate—it liberates.

Proverbs 27:6: The Value of Honesty

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”

In network marketing, flattery often feels like the “kiss” of a friend, but it’s a tool of manipulation. Real success—success built on principles, not pandering—requires us to reject this deceitful strategy.

Building a Blue Ocean of Integrity

When I first tried to build my social media presence using the tactics taught by the so-called experts, I found myself in a moral dilemma. I didn’t want to engage in flattery just to game the system. That’s when I realized I needed to step out of the red ocean and build something different—a blue ocean strategy based on integrity and truth.

Instead of shallow engagement, I focus on meaningful connections. Instead of flattery, I offer encouragement rooted in sincerity. And instead of feeding the algorithm, I’ve chosen to starve it by building my business on biblical principles.

Key Takeaway

The algorithm wants you to play its game, but you don’t have to. You can reject the flattery trap, build genuine relationships, and create a business that honors God and uplifts others.

As Proverbs 14:15-16 reminds us:
“The simple believe everything, but the prudent watch where they are going; the wise fear and turn away from evil, but a fool is reckless and confident.”

Don’t be the fool who dives into the red ocean of flattery and manipulation. Be the prudent one who builds a business with discernment, honesty, and a clear path forward.

Turning Away from the Shark

The algorithm has admitted its purpose—to manipulate, divide, and feed on our engagement. But what’s more frightening is how we’ve let it dictate our actions. Like swimmers venturing into shark-infested waters, we assume we can outsmart it, beat it at its own game.

Yet Proverbs 22:3 warns us:
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”

The danger is clear. Social media algorithms are not your ally—they’re designed to profit from your struggles. Every like, share, or comment you make is fuel for the machine.

But you don’t have to play this game.

A Way Out of the Red Ocean

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Psalm 37:7 reminds us:
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

This system lets you step away from the chaos of social media, avoid the schemes of the sharks, and focus on real, sustainable growth. It’s a blue ocean strategy where you can thrive without compromise.

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Proverbs 16:3 encourages us:
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

Make today the day you commit to a strategy rooted in wisdom and integrity. Say no to the shark and yes to the blue ocean of opportunity.