Flattery, in the biblical context, is often associated with deceit and manipulation, serving as a tool for personal gain at the expense of truth and integrity. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against the use of flattery and outline the consequences for those who engage in such behavior.

The book of Proverbs frequently addresses the dangers and consequences of flattery. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin." This verse highlights the destructive nature of flattery, equating it with deceit and indicating that it ultimately leads to ruin for both the flatterer and the one who is flattered.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against flattery in his letters to the early churches. In Romans 16:18 , Paul cautions, "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." Here, flattery is linked with self-serving motives and deception, leading believers away from the truth of the Gospel.

The Psalms also speak to the punishment of those who use flattery. Psalm 12:3 declares, "May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue." This imprecatory prayer calls for divine judgment against those who use flattery, emphasizing that God Himself will act against such deceitful speech.

The account of Absalom in 2 Samuel provides a narrative example of the consequences of flattery. Absalom used flattery to win the hearts of the people of Israel, as described in 2 Samuel 15:6 : "Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way, he stole the hearts of the men of Israel." His deceitful actions ultimately led to his downfall and death, illustrating the perilous end of those who rely on flattery for personal advancement.

In the wisdom literature, flattery is often contrasted with honest and sincere speech. Proverbs 28:23 notes, "He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue." This verse underscores the value of truthfulness over flattery, suggesting that honest correction is ultimately more beneficial and rewarding.

The biblical perspective on flattery is clear: it is a form of deceit that leads to negative consequences both spiritually and relationally. Those who engage in flattery are warned of divine judgment and the eventual ruin that accompanies such behavior. The Scriptures call believers to pursue truth and integrity, avoiding the pitfalls of flattery and deceit.Job 17:5
He that speaks flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 12:3
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Whether Flattery is a Mortal Sin?
... D. XLVI, Cap.3): "The cleric who shall be found to spend his time in flattery and
treachery shall be degraded from his office." Now such a punishment as this ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether flattery is a mortal.htm

Flattery or Magic.
... as without sin; but obtaining her by the power of magic, you will incur punishment. ...
But neither is it easy to persuade her by flattery, for the woman is very ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter viii flattery or magic.htm

Petilianus Said: "Blessed are the Merciful: for they Shall Obtain ...
... point,"neither that you yourselves are righteous, nor that we inflict punishment
on even the unrighteous; and yet, even as false flattery is generally cruel ...
/.../chapter 67 149 petilianus.htm

Dangerous Effects to Religion and Morality of the Doctrine of So ...
... And what can be more direct flattery than not to punish sins? ... indeed to is own conduct,
in prohibiting a thing without annexing the sanction of punishment. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxvii dangerous effects to religion.htm

Matt. xii. 38, 39
... is neither at the one time moved to anger, nor at the other softened by flattery. ...
For a sign did befall them, when by their own punishment they learnt His power ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliii matt xii 38.htm

But Jeu Possessed the Kingdom of Joram. ...
... temple at great expense; afterwards, however, being corrupted by the flattery of
the ... displeasing to God on account of his wicked works, in punishment of which ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xlvi but jeu possessed.htm

What Charge David Gave Tohis Son Solomon at the Approach of his ...
... hath sent us by Moses; and neither do thou out of favor nor flattery allow any ... hard
for me, and more potent than myself, and so hath escaped punishment hitherto ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 what charge david.htm

Whether Restitution is Binding on those who have not Taken?
... For restitution is a punishment of the taker. ... All these are expressed as follows:
"By command, by counsel, by consent, by flattery, by receiving, by ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether restitution is binding on.htm

Paul Before Felix.
... The flattery was certainly gross, and had scarcely the semblance of truth; but ... and
dragging forth the wicked to execration and punishment; eloquence employed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvii paul before felix.htm

And Now I am Come to this Part of My Narration...
... at the earnest entreaty of his sister Bernice, changed the punishment from death ...
this history was perfected, Agrippa, neither by way of flattery, which was not ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 65 and now i.htm

What does the Bible say about flattery? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about sincerity? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about honesty? | GotQuestions.org

Flattery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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