Beware of the Glib

Many people are aware of the real meaning of the title of this essay which is, ‘Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.’  This is good advice.  It means, of course, that many of the glib wear the sheep’s clothing of rhetoric.

   

Why the warning?  It is because people in general are swayed and taken in by those who project confidence—who ‘talk big,’ who promise much—but, sadly, don’t deliver.  They are typically a lot of smoke or wind without much fire.  Confidence is not a bad thing, but the glib are ‘sound without substance.’  Or, if they do deliver, it comes at the expense of the gullible who were initially taken in.  Deception is the problem; they are ‘Masters of Deceit.’  Dishonesty is the root.  And pain or disaster for the governed is the result.

Charlatan’s, hypocrites and cheats seem to abound in certain professions and at certain times of the year—say, approaching a political election.  And they seem to use the same approaches to gaining the confidence in the unwary:  flattery, self-promotion, vain words, soaring oratory, accusations of others’, makers of promises they cannot keep or have no intention of keeping once ensconced. Interestingly, the promises are often made with a smile.

 

What is their motive?

Power, position, prestige, and gain.  For themselves.

 

Yes, we need leadership.  All enterprises do: homes, communities, nations, businesses, churches, and service providers such as police and military.  But just beware of who we consent to be our leaders.  Look carefully at their values and character, and their methods of how they try to get their position of power or influence.  Look at what they are trying to gain—for themselves.  Look at what we have to lose if they get their wishes which often have nothing to do with the needs of their constituents.   Look at history and look at the biographies of those who were our greatest leaders and compare these luminaries with those who were (and are) sound without substance—or worse.

 

What is my criteria for support for a candidate?  Humility, honesty, a proven (older person) or promising (younger person)  track record,  a strong work ethic,  personal modesty, one who keeps his or her commitments and one who gives credit to others’ who helped them along the way. They need not be flashy; they must not be glib.

If a candidate comes along whose platform is what “I can do for you,” beware.  They will always use ‘I’ and ‘my’ more than ‘we’ or ‘us’ in their language.  

If a ‘leader’ who is really a despot in disguise comes to power, the people will mourn: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” (Proverbs 29:2)

The glib (Gooey Liars Imbedded in Baloney) give themselves away.  Don’t be the gullible who let them get their way.