Greed, often referred to as covetousness in biblical terms, is a strong and selfish desire for more of something than is needed, particularly wealth or possessions. The Bible consistently warns against greed, portraying it as a destructive force that can lead individuals away from God and into various forms of sin.

In the Old Testament, the Tenth Commandment explicitly addresses the issue of covetousness: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17). This commandment highlights the internal nature of greed, focusing on the desires of the heart rather than external actions alone.

The New Testament continues to emphasize the dangers of greed. Jesus warns, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). This teaching underscores the futility of seeking fulfillment in material wealth, pointing instead to the importance of spiritual riches.

The Apostle Paul also addresses greed, equating it with idolatry: "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). Here, greed is seen as a form of worship directed away from God and toward material things, thus violating the first commandment to have no other gods.

Greed is often linked with other sins, such as deceit and exploitation. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul warns, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." This passage illustrates how greed can lead to a multitude of other sins and ultimately result in spiritual ruin.

Flattery

Flattery is the act of giving excessive or insincere praise, often to gain favor or manipulate others. The Bible addresses flattery as a form of deceit, warning against its use and the dangers it poses to both the flatterer and the one being flattered.

In the Old Testament, the book of Proverbs frequently warns against the use of flattery. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin" . This verse highlights the destructive nature of flattery, equating it with lies and deceit that can lead to harm and division.

Flattery is often associated with manipulation and hidden motives. Psalm 12:2-3 describes the deceitful nature of flattery: "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" . Here, flattery is portrayed as a tool used by those with duplicitous intentions, seeking to deceive and manipulate others for personal gain.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against the use of flattery in his letters. In 1 Thessalonians 2:5, he writes, "As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!" . Paul’s rejection of flattery underscores the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in communication, particularly in the context of sharing the Gospel.

Flattery is also seen as a characteristic of false teachers and those who seek to lead others astray. Jude 1:16 describes such individuals: "These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage" . This passage warns believers to be wary of those who use flattery as a means to exploit and deceive.

Overall, the Bible presents flattery as a dangerous and deceitful practice, urging believers to pursue honesty and integrity in their interactions with others.