Flattering, in the biblical context, refers to insincere praise or excessive compliments given with ulterior motives. The Bible addresses the issue of flattering in various passages, warning against its deceitful nature and the potential harm it can cause both to the giver and the receiver.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, flattering is often associated with deceit and manipulation. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin." This verse highlights the destructive power of flattering words, equating them with lies that can lead to harm and ruin.

Psalm 12:2-3 further emphasizes the danger of flattering lips: "They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things." Here, flattering is linked with duplicity and pride, suggesting that those who engage in such behavior are not aligned with God's truth.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against the use of flattering for personal gain. 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!" Paul distinguishes his ministry from those who might use flattering as a means to exploit others, underscoring the importance of sincerity and integrity in communication.

Jude 1:16 also addresses the issue of flattering, describing certain individuals as "grumblers and faultfinders who follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage." This passage warns against those who use flattering to manipulate and gain favor, highlighting the self-serving nature of such behavior.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, flattering is seen as contrary to the values of honesty and humility that are central to Christian teaching. Flattering often stems from a desire to manipulate or control others, which is inconsistent with the biblical call to love and serve one another selflessly. The Bible encourages believers to speak truthfully and to build each other up with genuine encouragement rather than deceitful praise.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to be wary of both giving and receiving flattering. When offering praise, it should be sincere and aimed at edifying others rather than seeking personal gain. Likewise, believers should be discerning when receiving compliments, recognizing the potential for manipulation and remaining grounded in their identity in Christ.

Overall, the biblical perspective on flattering serves as a reminder of the importance of sincerity, truthfulness, and humility in all interactions, aligning with the broader scriptural call to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His character.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Flatter.

2. (a.) That flatters (in the various senses of the verb); as, a flattering speech.

2850. kolakeia -- flattery
... Word Origin akin to kolax (flatterer) Definition flattery NASB Word Usage
flattering (1). flattering. From a derivative of kolax ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2850.htm - 6k

2129. eulogia -- praise, blessing
... Word Origin from the same as eulogeo Definition praise, blessing NASB Word Usage
blessing (11), bountiful gift (2), bountifully (2), flattering speech (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2129.htm - 7k

2296. thaumazo -- to marvel, wonder
... from thauma Definition to marvel, wonder NASB Word Usage am amazed (1), amazed
(15), amazement (1), astonished (3), being amazed (1), flattering (1), marvel (4 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2296.htm - 9k

2509. chalaq -- smooth
... 2508, 2509. chalaq. 2510 . smooth. Transliteration: chalaq Phonetic Spelling:
(khaw-lawk') Short Definition: flattering. ... flattering, smooth. ...
/hebrew/2509.htm - 6k

3655. kanah -- to title, give an epithet
... give flattering titles, surname himself. A primitive root; to address by an additional
name; hence, to eulogize -- give flattering titles, surname (himself). ...
/hebrew/3655.htm - 6k

2513b. chelqah -- smooth part, smoothness, flattery
... 2513a, 2513b. chelqah. 2514 . smooth part, smoothness, flattery.
Transliteration: chelqah Short Definition: flattering. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/2513b.htm - 5k

2507b. cheleq -- smoothness, seductiveness
... 2507a, 2507b. cheleq. 2508 . smoothness, seductiveness. Transliteration:
cheleq Short Definition: flattering. Word Origin from chalaq ...
/hebrew/2507b.htm - 5k

2513. chelqah -- a portion (of ground)
... Feminine of cheleq; properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery; also an allotment --
field, flattering(-ry), ground, parcel, part, piece of land (ground ...
/hebrew/2513.htm - 5k

2470. chalah -- to be weak or sick
... be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or (causatively)
to grieve, make sick; also to stroke (in flattering), entreat -- beseech ...
/hebrew/2470.htm - 6k

He Also Ingeniously Shows from the Passage of the Gospel which ...
... of eternal life was in the neighbourhood, came to him in the expectation of living
in perpetual luxury, with life indefinitely extended, flattering the Lord ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 2 he also ingeniously.htm

An Epistle on Charity.
... knew to be damnable. In no manner of feigning or flattering, but in
soothfastness of good love and clean charity. For though it ...
/.../the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/an epistle on charity.htm

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... Not a very flattering comparison you may say; but then we do not wish to be flattered,
nor would our Lord deem it good to flatter us, While far from flattering ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

Judas and his Band.
... of gain alone, and some astute Pharisees and Sadducees, with whom he had established
an intercourse, had constantly urged him on to treason by flattering him. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter ii judas and his.htm

The Truth Probably Is, that the Scandalous Tales are True, While ...
... poets. What inference then is left to us, save that while the panegyrics
are false and flattering, the actions told of them are true? ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 17 the truth probably.htm

Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church.
... Thus from the very beginning of the world he deceived; and flattering with lying
words, he misled inexperienced souls by an incautious credulity. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise i on the unity.htm

First of Conversion
... And there are many lettings so that the eyes of our heart may not be fixed on God;
of which we put some: abundance of riches; flattering of women; the fairness ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter i first of conversion.htm

Humility.
... on exhibition. A man who is flattering himself that he is humble and is
walking close to the Master, is self-deceived. It consists ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/humility.htm

Self-Destruction
... But the good king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, had no faith in these flattering villains.
He asked whether there was not another prophet of the Lord to inquire of? ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon viii self-destruction.htm

On Smart Novelists and the Smart Set
... in the words of Disraeli (who, being a genius and not a gentleman, has perhaps
primarily to answer for the introduction of this method of flattering the gentry ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xv on smart novelists and.htm

Flattering (11 Occurrences)
... n.) of Flatter. 2. (a.) That flatters (in the various senses of the verb); as, a
flattering speech. Multi-Version Concordance Flattering (11 Occurrences). ...
/f/flattering.htm - 9k

Flatter (5 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Job 32:21 Please don't let me respect any man's person,
neither will I give flattering titles to any man. (Root ...
/f/flatter.htm - 8k

Flattery (11 Occurrences)
... (n.) The act or practice of flattering; the act of pleasing by artful commendation
or compliments; adulation; false, insincere, or excessive praise. ...
/f/flattery.htm - 9k

Titles (2 Occurrences)
... Titles (2 Occurrences). Job 32:21 Please don't let me respect any man's person,
neither will I give flattering titles to any man. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). ...
/t/titles.htm - 6k

Surname (11 Occurrences)
... The word is used twice in the King James Version of the Old Testament, namely, Isaiah
44:5; Isaiah 45:4. The Hebrew word means "to give flattering or honorary ...
/s/surname.htm - 12k

Seductive (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Tending to lead astray; apt to mislead by flattering
appearances; tempting; alluring; as, a seductive offer. ...
/s/seductive.htm - 7k

Lip (20 Occurrences)
... or false) lips" (Proverbs 17:4), "unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5), "strange (the King
James Version "stammering") lips" (Isaiah 28:11), "flattering lips" (Psalm 12:2 ...
/l/lip.htm - 18k

Smooth (39 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:18 For those who are such don't serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their
own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts ...
/s/smooth.htm - 18k

Speech (107 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:18 For those who are such don't serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their
own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts ...
/s/speech.htm - 36k

Lips (199 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Psalms 12:2 Everyone lies to his neighbor. They speak with flattering
lips, and with a double heart. (WEB KJV WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/lips.htm - 37k

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