Flattery, as depicted in the Bible, is often associated with deceit and manipulation, serving as a tool for those seeking personal gain or worldly advantage. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against the use of flattery, highlighting its potential to lead both the giver and the receiver away from truth and righteousness.

Biblical Instances and Warnings

The Bible frequently addresses the dangers of flattery, emphasizing its role in leading individuals astray. In the book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom literature, flattery is portrayed as a seductive force that can ensnare the unwary. Proverbs 29:5 states, "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet." This verse illustrates how flattery can be a trap, ensnaring those who are swayed by its deceitful allure.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against the use of flattery in his letters. In 1 Thessalonians 2:5 , Paul writes, "As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!" Here, Paul distinguishes his ministry from those who might use flattery for selfish purposes, underscoring the importance of sincerity and truth in Christian conduct.

Flattery and Deception

Flattery is often linked with deception, as it involves insincere praise intended to manipulate or gain favor. The Psalms provide insight into the deceitful nature of flattery. Psalm 12:2 laments, "They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart." This verse highlights the duplicity inherent in flattery, where outward expressions of admiration mask ulterior motives.

The book of Daniel offers a narrative example of flattery used for personal gain. In Daniel 11:32 , it is written, "With flattery he will corrupt those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him." This passage refers to the actions of a deceitful ruler who uses flattery to corrupt and lead astray those who are not steadfast in their faith.

Consequences of Flattery

The Bible warns of the spiritual and moral consequences of engaging in or succumbing to flattery. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin." This proverb underscores the destructive potential of flattery, which can lead to ruin and estrangement from God’s truth.

In the context of leadership and authority, flattery can be particularly dangerous. Leaders who surround themselves with flatterers may become blind to their own faults and make decisions that are not in alignment with God’s will. The account of Herod in Acts 12:21-23 serves as a cautionary tale. Herod, swayed by the flattery of the people, fails to give glory to God and suffers divine judgment as a result.

Flattery in Contrast to Godly Speech

The Bible contrasts flattery with the virtues of honesty, integrity, and godly speech. Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to "speak the truth in love," promoting communication that is both truthful and edifying. This stands in stark contrast to the deceitful nature of flattery, which seeks to manipulate rather than build up.

In conclusion, the biblical perspective on flattery is clear: it is a tool of deception that can lead to spiritual and moral downfall. Believers are called to reject flattery and instead pursue truth and integrity in their interactions with others, seeking to honor God in all their words and actions.Daniel 11:21,22
And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Parable of the Pilgrim
... to Jesus you will consider all this flattery and falsehood ... that they draw your mind
from worldly vanity and ... you on your way and seek every advantage against you ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/the parable of the pilgrim.htm

On the Feast of a Holy Bishop
... Even when he is called great before worldly men, yet ... is, for the sake of a small
advantage, we lose ... upon these foolish people by praise and flattery, so that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxii on the feast.htm

Letter xix (AD 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
... echo with spiritual songs instead of worldly pleadings, there ... Thus, not every praise
is flattery, nor every blame ... Although I know not what advantage it would ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xix a d 1127 to.htm

Desire to Please.
... such compliments are authorized by sincerity or flattery. ... are called on to participate
in worldly festivities let ... that seek to take the advantage of woman's ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xvi desire to please.htm

The New Commandment
... my little Sister trying to take advantage of the ... with my sister, who is so worldly,
and I ... compliments from the novices"compliments without flattery, for they ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter x the new commandment.htm

the New Commandment
... my little Sister trying to take advantage of the ... with my sister, who is so worldly,
and I ... compliments from the novices"compliments without flattery, for they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter x - the new.htm

A Confirmation of what Hath Been Said, Particularly of the ...
... findest that they draw thy mind from worldly vanity, and ... do thee more harm, and give
advantage to thine ... life, thou wilt hold all this flattery and falsehood to ...
/.../chapter vi a confirmation of.htm

Letter cxxxviii. (AD 412. )
... God enjoins nothing for His own advantage, but for the ... as he affirmed; if he spoke
flattery, he showed ... So far, therefore, as concerns worldly prosperity, that ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxxviii a d 412.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... be richer, knowing, they have this advantage beyond the ... their origin from the base
flattery of these ... ages, and from the delicatehaughtiness of worldly men, who ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?
... lusts,"it is then of no advantage to him ... such persecution, if you have worldly wealth,
if ... without fear, without hypocrisy, without flattery, without pretence ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/who is the rich man.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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