Flattery, in the biblical context, is often portrayed as a deceitful and manipulative tool used by the wicked to achieve selfish ends. It is characterized by insincere praise and excessive compliments, designed to influence or control others for personal gain. The Bible provides numerous warnings against the use of flattery, highlighting its potential to lead individuals astray and cause harm.

Biblical Warnings Against Flattery

The Scriptures frequently caution against the dangers of flattery, emphasizing its association with wickedness and deceit. In the book of Proverbs, flattery is linked to the actions of the unrighteous: "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet" (Proverbs 29:5). This verse illustrates how flattery can entrap and ensnare individuals, leading them into situations that may be detrimental to their well-being.

Furthermore, Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin" . Here, flattery is equated with a lying tongue, suggesting that those who engage in flattery harbor ill intentions and ultimately bring about destruction.

Flattery as a Tool of Manipulation

Flattery is often employed by the wicked as a means of manipulation, seeking to exploit the vanity or insecurities of others. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, warns against those who use smooth talk and flattery to deceive: "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" (Romans 16:18). This passage underscores the self-serving nature of flattery and its potential to lead the unsuspecting away from truth and righteousness.

Historical Examples of Flattery in Scripture

The Bible provides several historical examples of individuals who used flattery for wicked purposes. One notable instance is found in the account of Absalom, the son of King David. Absalom used flattery to win the hearts of the people of Israel, ultimately leading a rebellion against his father. "Absalom would say to him, 'Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.' And Absalom would add, 'If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then every man with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice'" (2 Samuel 15:3-4). Absalom's use of flattery was a strategic move to undermine his father's authority and gain political power.

Another example is found in the account of the false prophets who flattered King Ahab, leading him to make disastrous decisions. These prophets, seeking favor and approval, assured Ahab of victory in battle, despite the true prophet Micaiah's warning of impending defeat (1 Kings 22:5-28). Their flattery contributed to Ahab's downfall, demonstrating the destructive potential of insincere praise.

The Righteous Response to Flattery

In contrast to the wicked use of flattery, the Bible encourages believers to seek truth and sincerity in their interactions with others. The psalmist prays for deliverance from the deceitful nature of flattery: "May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue" (Psalm 12:3). This plea reflects a desire for integrity and honesty, values that are esteemed in the eyes of God.

Believers are called to be discerning and to guard their hearts against the seductive allure of flattery. By adhering to the truth and seeking wisdom from God, they can avoid the pitfalls associated with insincere praise and manipulation.Psalm 5:9
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 12:2
They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Flattery, beauty of pretended religion, false witnessing and charging of ... in his hand,
can make no use of it ... but to hurt himself and others, so wicked men's good ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ...
... hear anything in their courts but mere flattery, the more ... of the apostle, to separate
from the wicked, when it ... Where its use is not well known it is easy to ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 of the discipline.htm

How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ...
... He imitated them in their wicked courses, and in their ... But Elijah, without any flattery,
said that he was himself the ... and how, when he had made use of gentle ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how ahab when.htm

The Ninth Commandment
... (3) They are reproved who are so wicked as to ... are slandered, or falsely accused,
make a good use of it. ... As no flattery can heal a bad conscience, so no slander ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 9 the ninth commandment.htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... Flattery is the bane of friendship. ... things were perhaps incredible to him and to
others, and unexpected ... as obtaining from God, and making a wicked use of what ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... is not versed in complimenting, and skilled in flattery above the ... the use of it,
yea, that you use it not ... it will bring upon us the displeasure of the wicked. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

The Will.
... you, and you have overcome the wicked one." Again ... of learning until its practical
use becomes necessary ... whose affection officiousness, and flattery, will perhaps ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter ix the will.htm

Earnest Expostulation
... This is a vile flattery of your wicked hearts; but ... I will not enlarge and use many
words, for I am myself weary of words: I want to persuade you even with ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/earnest expostulation.htm

1 Timothy ii. 4-Jan
... It is not therefore flattery, but agreeable to the rules of justice. ... You then are
wicked in the degree that he was excellent. ... For of what use is it? ...
/.../homily vi 1 timothy ii.htm

Of Porphyry's Epistle to Anebo, in which He Asks for Information ...
... ground that it is by the use of stones ... rashness, delight in sacrificial odors, are
taken with flattery. ... should be commanded to perform the wicked desires of men ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 11 of porphyrys epistle to.htm

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