Topical Bible: Flattery: Hypocrites Use, to Those in Authority

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Topical Encyclopedia

Flattery, in the biblical context, is often depicted as insincere praise or excessive compliments, typically used to manipulate or gain favor. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against the use of flattery, particularly by hypocrites who seek to deceive those in positions of authority.

Biblical Instances and Warnings

The Bible frequently associates flattery with deceit and manipulation. In the book of Proverbs, a clear warning is given: "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin" (Proverbs 26:28). This verse highlights the destructive nature of flattery, equating it with falsehood and harm.

Hypocrites, those who pretend to have virtues or beliefs that they do not truly possess, often employ flattery as a tool to achieve their selfish ends. The Psalms provide insight into this behavior: "They speak with flattering lips and a double heart" (Psalm 12:2). Here, the psalmist laments the duplicity of those who use flattery, indicating a lack of sincerity and integrity.

Flattery Towards Authority

Flattery is particularly dangerous when directed towards those in authority, as it can lead to poor decision-making and corruption. The book of Daniel offers a poignant example. The satraps and administrators, seeking to trap Daniel, resorted to flattery to manipulate King Darius: "May King Darius live forever!" (Daniel 6:6). Their insincere praise was a strategic move to gain the king's favor and achieve their malicious intent against Daniel.

Similarly, in the New Testament, the Pharisees and Herodians attempted to ensnare Jesus with flattery. They approached Him, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth" (Matthew 22:16). Their words, though seemingly respectful, were a calculated attempt to trap Jesus in His response regarding paying taxes to Caesar.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The use of flattery by hypocrites towards those in authority is not merely a social faux pas but a moral failing with spiritual consequences. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with truth and righteousness. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, emphasizes the importance of sincerity: "For we never used words of flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness" (1 Thessalonians 2:5). Paul’s example serves as a model for believers, urging them to speak truthfully and avoid deceitful practices.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on flattery, especially when used by hypocrites towards those in authority, serve as a cautionary tale. Believers are called to uphold truth and integrity, avoiding the pitfalls of insincere praise and manipulation. Through the wisdom of Scripture, Christians are encouraged to discern the motives behind flattery and to seek genuine relationships built on honesty and respect.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 11:34
Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help: but many shall join to them with flatteries.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Colossians iv. 5, 6
... wishing them to be crafty, nor hypocrites, (for this ... think not the doing so flattery,
do everything ... so that towards them, one should use condescension; those ...
/.../homily xi colossians iv 5.htm

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ...
... from men, such as those of hypocrites (for these ... hear anything in their courts but
mere flattery, the more ... why should we in similar necessity use this less ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 of the discipline.htm

False Profession.
... art of getting, either by violence, cozenage, flattery, lying, or ... what does he call
them but hypocrites, whited walls ... The apostle did use to weep when he spake ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... the Pope's damnable pride by our silence or flattery? ... 13): "But woe unto you, scribes
and Pharisees, hypocrites! ... understanding of the mass, its nature and use. ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

Letter of Martin Luther to Pope Leo X.
... His adversaries a generation of vipers, blind, hypocrites, and children ... that by this
I might be of use to the ... did he bring about by his flattery, except evils ...
/.../luther/concerning christian liberty/letter of martin luther to.htm

Dedicatory
... his adversaries a generation of vipers, blind, hypocrites, and children ... that by this
I might be of use to the ... did he bring about by his flattery, except evils ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/dedicatory.htm

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ...
... The free use of the term merits for good ... Bernard's purpose was to alarm hypocrites,
who turned the ... perfection, to look into ourselves without flattery or blind ...
/.../chapter 12 necessity of contemplating.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... is a very large mixture of hypocrites, who have ... right to foster them by flattery
or connivance ... insidiously calumnious, and turbulently seditious, use the cloak ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... who desire to ascribe to this flattery, and abuse ... law, when the ceremonial oaths
were in use, to wit ... apostle, being under the gospel, when those oaths became ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

A Case of Conscience Resolved
... authority of the word of God: and flattery, in soothing up ... by the word; for that
these hypocrites, and formal ... women, when prophets were present, did use to lie ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a case of conscience resolved.htm