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Elihu promises to be frank and outspoken, not "accepting any man's person" in perversion of truth, and giving "flattering titles" to no man. This resolve would be very significant in the East, where personal rank counts for much even in courts of justice, and where a "flattering title" is given as a matter of course, especially when some favour is sought, even though it belies the true opinion held by the flatterer; e.g. Acts 24:2.

I. TEMPTATIONS TO FLATTERY.

1. To win favour. This is the lowest motive with which to flatter; it is without any valid I excuse; its character is wholly selfish.

2. To avoid harm. This is also a selfish motive; but it may be urged by fear and encouraged by weakness. The flattery of a tyrant is not creditable to anybody concerned; but it is one of the certain effects of tyranny on weak natures.

3. To give pleasure. Without any deep design of gain, agreeable people wish to please those with whom they are associated. A certain foolish kindness may help the flattery.

4. To express humility. Very humble people are tempted to ascribe good qualities to others in contrast with their own unworthiness.

II. THE SIN OF FLATTERY. Elihu justly repudiates the idea of flattering any one, though he does so with a needless ostentation of independence. Flattery is bad in many ways, and involves many evil things.

1. Falsehood. This is the very first element of flattery. You praise a man to his face beyond your true thoughts of him.

2. Cowardice. If the flattery is indulged in in order to propitiate a powerful tyrant, the flatterer humiliates himself, and appears in the miserable character of a cringing coward

3. Godlessness. Flattery of man tends to a disregard of the law and will of God. If the dignity and rank of a person is made too much of, he is really becoming to us almost a god; we are in danger of giving to him the deference which should only be offered to our Maker.

III. THE EVIL CONSEQUENCES OF FLATTERY.

1. The overthrow of justice. If a man "accepts persons" he will neglect justice. Instead of considering what is right and fair, the flatterer considers what is pleasant. Thus right and equity are set aside.

2. The destruction of confidence. Flattery is sure to be discovered, and the habit of flattering will be soon recognized. Then words of admiration cease to have any meaning. It becomes impossible to give true honour to a person, because this cannot be distinguished from the false honours which the sycophant heaps on his patron. It is no longer possible to know whether approval, support, and loyalty are maintained or not. Traitors hide under the cloak of flattery.

3. The anger of God. Elihu talks somewhat brusquely about his Maker taking him away. It is a trait of his self-confidence to be quite at home in speaking of God. Yet there is a truth in his words. God cannot endure falsehood and injustice. His favour is not won by flattery; the flattery of men is sure to be detected by God, and therefore the flatterer must lie under the disfavour of Heaven, even while he enjoys the favour of his earthly patron. - W.F.A.

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KJV: Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

WEB: Please don't let me respect any man's person, neither will I give flattering titles to any man.