by Donna Devane

Created on: July 24, 2009   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

Webster's defines a sycophant as a servile self-seeking flatterer, a swindler.

There is a world of difference between a good adviser and a sycophant, along with the services both provide.

Sycophants are sought after today by those wishing to be told that they are correct in their thoughts, beliefs and actions. Sycophants are top notch at telling you what you want to hear and making you feel good about any choices you are determined to make in you life.

There is an ulterior motive to the advice of the sycophant, he wants something from you. Most often it's your money. The internet and TV are full of these people. Pushing all types of products promising to make you smarter, sexier, younger looking, even more favorable with GOD.

You will find these people standing on top of mountains crying out to you that they have your answers, listen to them, (and give them your money), and they will solve all you life's ills and woes. Their continued success is dependent on your not succeeding. They have to keep you coming back for more of their services or they are out of a job and their income river dries up.

The motive of a sycophant is self serving. Their whole purpose is to place themselves in a role of being needed and feeling in control.

A good adviser is one who offers you information out of a true desire to see you succeed in your life. Whether it's a healer, a counselor or a good friend; their information comes from a place of love and honest concern for your well being.

The easiest way to recognize a sycophant from a good adviser is to take a look at whose interests are being served. If your interests are the priority the advice will encourage, motivate and lift you to a place of change and making wise choices.

A sycophant will advise you in ways that keep you chained to her so that you gain little if any ground in solving your problem, but will guarantee that you keep coming back for more advice and help.

When you determine that you would benefit by the services of another, listen to what is being said to you with your heart and your intellect. If you are truly seeking help, rather than a polishing of your ego, you will soon discover that the true adviser speaks in a manner which challenges you to think outside the box.

Good advice always has your best interest at the center of any choices offered to you. Use your intuitive powers to determine whether or not you are being helped or made into a servant.

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