Flattery, in the biblical context, is often portrayed as a deceitful and manipulative tool used by the wicked for personal gain. It is a form of insincere praise or excessive compliments that serve ulterior motives rather than genuine appreciation or encouragement. The Bible provides numerous warnings against the use of flattery, highlighting its potential to lead both the giver and the receiver astray.

Biblical Warnings Against Flattery

The Scriptures frequently caution against the use of flattery, associating it with deceit and wickedness. In the book of Psalms, David laments the prevalence of flattery among the wicked: "They speak with flattering lips and a double heart" (Psalm 12:2). This verse underscores the duplicity inherent in flattery, where the outward expression does not match the inward intention.

Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, also addresses the dangers of flattery. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin" . Here, flattery is equated with a destructive force, capable of causing harm and leading to ruin. The use of flattery is thus seen as a tool of manipulation, often employed by those with malicious intent.

Flattery as a Tool for Self-Advancement

The wicked often use flattery to advance their own interests, seeking to gain favor or manipulate others for personal benefit. In the book of Daniel, we see an example of this when the administrators and satraps flatter King Darius to secure a decree against Daniel: "May King Darius live forever!" (Daniel 6:6). Their insincere praise is a strategic move to achieve their own ends, ultimately leading to Daniel's unjust persecution.

Similarly, in the New Testament, the apostle Paul warns the Thessalonians about those who use flattery for selfish gain: "For we never used words of flattery, nor any pretext for greed—God is our witness" (1 Thessalonians 2:5). Paul contrasts his own sincere ministry with the deceitful practices of others, emphasizing the importance of integrity and truthfulness.

The Consequences of Flattery

The Bible makes it clear that flattery can have dire consequences, both for those who use it and for those who fall prey to it. In Proverbs 29:5, it is written, "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet" . This imagery suggests that flattery is a trap, ensnaring both the flatterer and the one being flattered in a web of deceit.

Moreover, flattery can lead to a false sense of security and pride, drawing individuals away from reliance on God and towards self-reliance. The seductive nature of flattery can blind individuals to their own faults and lead them down a path of destruction, as seen in the warnings throughout Scripture.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the power of words to uplift and encourage, it also warns against the insidious nature of flattery. As a tool of the wicked, flattery is used to manipulate and deceive, ultimately leading to ruin. Believers are called to exercise discernment and to speak truthfully, avoiding the pitfalls of insincere praise and manipulation.Psalm 36:2
For he flatters himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the Reasons for Administering Correction to Bad and Good ...
... in the meshes of married life, but use meagre food ... abstain from finding fault with
the wicked, because they ... because they weakly relish the flattery and respect ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 9 of the reasons for.htm

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his ...
... Ye use to impute your backslidings to the times, to ... were no temptation, if our hearts
were not wicked hearts ... time declared that it was but flattery, though they ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv they have corrupted.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Flattery, beauty of pretended religion, false witnessing and charging ... Use them not
as special friends, when thou perceivest ... wit and skill of such wicked men is ...
/.../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 ... why should we in similar necessity use this less ...
/.../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

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... Flattery is the bane of friendship. ... the life-giving food in them, that they themselves
are stronger ... then 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
... versed in complimenting, and skilled in flattery above the ... or the love and peace
of wicked men, before ... tempore, till the Presbyterians will use discipline, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

On Clothes.
... are love of display, love of popularity, and flattery and deceit ... the face covered;
for it is a wicked thing for ... they prove themselves to be of less use and less ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

The Mildness of the Yellow Press
... charges the whole police system with a wicked and definite ... are really hopeful, hope
is a mere flattery or platitude ... He polished his own weapons for his own use. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/viii the mildness of the.htm

1 Cor. I. 4, 5
... but the saying is free from all flattery; for he ... He doth not use violence, nor compel;
[12] for who ... if thou knowest that uncleanness is wicked, wherefore dost ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily ii 1 cor i.htm

Who was Daniel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

What is apostasy and how can I recognize it? | GotQuestions.org

Flattery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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