Blandishment refers to flattering or coaxing speech and actions intended to persuade someone gently to do something. In the context of biblical teachings, blandishments are often seen as deceptive and potentially leading individuals away from truth and righteousness. The Bible warns against the seductive nature of flattering words and the dangers they pose to one's spiritual integrity.

Biblical References and Context

1. Proverbs 7:21 : "With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him." This verse illustrates the seductive power of flattering words, particularly in the context of the adulterous woman who uses blandishments to lead a man astray. The passage serves as a caution against succumbing to such temptations, emphasizing the need for wisdom and discernment.

2. Proverbs 29:5 : "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet." Here, the use of flattery is likened to setting a trap. The verse warns that those who employ blandishments may have ulterior motives, seeking to ensnare others for personal gain or manipulation.

3. Romans 16:18 : "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive." The Apostle Paul cautions the Roman church about individuals who use smooth talk and flattery to deceive believers. This warning highlights the spiritual danger posed by those who use blandishments to lead others away from the truth of the Gospel.

4. Psalm 12:2-3 : "They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things." The psalmist laments the prevalence of deceitful and flattering speech, calling upon the Lord to judge those who use such words to manipulate and deceive.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, blandishments are often associated with deceit and manipulation, which are contrary to the values of truth and integrity upheld in Scripture. The Bible consistently encourages believers to speak truthfully and to be wary of those who use flattering words for selfish or deceptive purposes. Blandishments can lead individuals away from God's path, making it crucial for Christians to remain vigilant and discerning.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of discernment, being cautious of those who use flattery to gain favor or manipulate situations. Believers are called to speak truthfully and to build relationships based on honesty and integrity, avoiding the use of blandishments in their interactions with others. By adhering to biblical principles, Christians can guard their hearts against the seductive power of flattering words and remain steadfast in their faith.(n.) The act of blandishing; a word or act expressive of affection or kindness, and tending to win the heart; soft words and artful caresses; cajolery; allurement.2519. chalaqlaqqoth -- smoothness
... flattery, slippery. By reduplication from chalaq; properly, something very smooth;
ie A treacherous spot; figuratively, blandishment -- flattery, slippery. ...
/hebrew/2519.htm - 6k

But, if it Does not Weary You, Let the Point Out as Briefly as ...
... Judas came to Jesus and said unto Him, Hail, Master, and kissed Him." Thus through
the soft blandishment of a kiss he implanted the execrable dart of betrayal. ...
/.../20 but if it does.htm

Herein is a Mirror to be Blamed, --If Its Clearness is Darkened ...
... 8. Righteousness used blandishment,"and the rod to deal with childhood;"when she
smote it she roused it; her rod restrained frowardness, her blandishment ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xvi herein is a.htm

hymn ix.
... 11. By the manifest striving, of Thy power let us conquer; lest error should crown,
those that strive for Thee, cleaving to them with blandishment! 12. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn ix.htm

Letter xiv . --To the Bishop of Melitene.
... But unless you suppose our language to be mere blandishment and unreal
flattery"and assuredly you will not so suppose, being what you are in all else, ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xiv to the bishop.htm

Of those who Pretend to Patience but Excite their Brethren to ...
... and a spiteful silence exceeds the most awful insults in words, and the wounds of
enemies are more easily borne than the deceitful blandishment of mockers, of ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xviii of those who.htm

How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished.
... Sometimes, however, even a proud rich man is to be propitiated by blandishment in
exhortation, since hard sores also are usually softened by soothing ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter ii how the poor.htm

Epistle xv. To John, Bishop.
... In the first place this makes me sad; that thy Fraternity writes to me with a double
heart, exhibiting one sort of blandishment in letters, but another sort ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xv to john bishop.htm

Under the Three Pastors, --There were Manifold Shepherds
... 19. Even the Most High with the daughter of Jacob,"gave blandishment and the rod
to her childhood;"and in her frowardness and full age,"gave part in the ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xiv under the three.htm

John's Rebuke of Herod.
... There he stands in Herod's voluptuous court the prophet of the desert still, unseduced
by blandishment from his high loyalty, and fronting his patron and his ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xxi johns rebuke of herod.htm

Galatians Chapter iv.
... And this weeping is not only a reproof but a blandishment; it does not exasperate
like reproof, nor relax like indulgent treatment, but is a mixed remedy, and ...
/.../galatians chapter iv.htm

Blandishment (1 Occurrence)
... words and artful caresses; cajolery; allurement. Multi-Version Concordance
Blandishment (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 7:21 With her much ...
/b/blandishment.htm - 6k

Entices (5 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Proverbs 7:21 With her much fair speech she causeth him to yield, with
the blandishment of her lips she enticeth him away. (See NAS). ...
/e/entices.htm - 7k

Blandishments (3 Occurrences)

/b/blandishments.htm - 7k

Blameworthy (1 Occurrence)

/b/blameworthy.htm - 6k

Smooth (39 Occurrences)
... 15. (v.) To ease; to regulate. 16. (vi) To flatter; to use blandishment.
Multi-Version Concordance Smooth (39 Occurrences). Luke ...
/s/smooth.htm - 18k

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