Flattery, in the biblical context, is often portrayed as insincere praise or excessive compliments given with ulterior motives. It is a form of deceit that can lead individuals away from truth and righteousness. The Bible warns against the dangers of flattery, highlighting its potential to corrupt and mislead.

Biblical Warnings Against Flattery

The Scriptures provide numerous warnings about the perils of flattery. In the book of Proverbs, flattery is frequently associated with deceit and manipulation. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin." This verse underscores the destructive nature of flattery, equating it with falsehood and harm.

Proverbs 29:5 further cautions, "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet." Here, flattery is likened to a trap, suggesting that those who engage in it may ensnare others, leading them into danger or moral compromise.

Flattery and the Wicked

Flattery is often linked with the behavior of the wicked. Psalm 12:2 describes the deceitful nature of the wicked, saying, "They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart." This passage highlights the duplicity inherent in flattery, as it is used by those who harbor deceitful intentions.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, also addresses the issue of flattery in the context of false teachers. Romans 16:18 warns, "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." Paul emphasizes that flattery can be a tool for leading believers astray, particularly when used by those who prioritize their own desires over the truth of the Gospel.

Flattery and the Seductive Woman

The book of Proverbs also associates flattery with the seductive woman, warning young men of its dangers. Proverbs 7:21 describes the seductive power of flattery: "With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him." This imagery serves as a cautionary tale about the moral and spiritual peril that can result from succumbing to flattery.

Flattery in Leadership and Governance

Flattery poses a particular danger in the realm of leadership and governance. Leaders who surround themselves with flatterers may become blind to their own faults and make unwise decisions. Proverbs 29:12 states, "If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked." This proverb suggests that a leader who is swayed by flattery may foster an environment of corruption and deceit.

The Call for Sincerity and Truth

In contrast to flattery, the Bible calls for sincerity and truth in speech. Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to "speak the truth in love," promoting honest and edifying communication. The pursuit of truth and integrity is a hallmark of Christian character, standing in stark opposition to the deceitful nature of flattery.

Overall, the Bible's teachings on flattery serve as a reminder of the importance of sincerity and the dangers of deceitful praise. By adhering to the principles of truth and integrity, believers can guard against the corrupting influence of flattery and remain steadfast in their faith.Proverbs 7:21-23
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 20:5
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

To the Disciples - Two Events and their Moral.
... It is against this that He warned His disciples - and in this, rather than conscious
deception, pretence, or flattery, lies the danger of the Church. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiii to the disciples.htm

Of Flattery.
... to our Neighbor which I shall mention, is Flattery. This is indeed the fatalest
wound of the Tongue, carries least Smart, but infinitely more of Danger, and is ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section viii of flattery.htm

How Titus Marched to Jerusalem, and How He was in Danger as He was ...
... an action, and being under great concern for him, they loudly proclaimed the danger
he was ... if I may be allowed neither to add any thing out of flattery, nor to ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus marched.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. ... To
keep thee from the strange woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Whether Restitution is Binding on those who have not Taken?
... Now sometimes a man would expose himself to the danger of death, were he to betray
a thief, or ... "By command, by counsel, by consent, by flattery, by receiving ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether restitution is binding on.htm

Temporary Hardening.
... in the front or from behind, to ruin him with threats or with flattery, to frighten ...
again and again in making a man either trifle with the deadly danger of his ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiv temporary hardening.htm

His Charge of Cowardice is Baseless: for Basil Displayed the ...
... None could describe his contempt of danger, so as to bring before the reader's eyes ...
after another is put on, turned with all its threats into flattery; and the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 12 his charge of.htm

Matt. xxii. 15
... for they feared the multitude), they took another way with the intention of bringing
Him into danger, and making ... And see their flattery, and their hidden craft ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxx matt xxii 15.htm

Letter xiv. --On Reserve with a Director.
... What is to be done to guarantee ourselves against this fresh danger? ... Examine yourself
without any flattery as to this two-fold matter, and enlighten yourself ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xiv on reserve with a.htm

How virtuous and Useful was that which Elisha Did. ...
... or to make the prophetic office yield to the king, or to indulge in flattery. ... fear
of false witness, seeing herself hard pressed on one side by danger, on the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiv how virtuous and.htm

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