In the biblical context, the term "flatter" refers to the act of giving excessive or insincere praise, often to further one's own interests. Flattery is generally viewed negatively in the Scriptures, as it is associated with deceit, manipulation, and a lack of genuine love or truthfulness.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently warns against the dangers of flattery. In the book of Proverbs, flattery is often linked with deceit and is portrayed as a tool used by the wicked. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin" . This verse highlights the destructive nature of flattery, equating it with lies and suggesting that it can lead to harm.

Proverbs 29:5 further illustrates the deceitful nature of flattery: "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet" . Here, flattery is depicted as a trap, ensnaring those who are swayed by it. The imagery of a net suggests that flattery can lead to entanglement and downfall.

The Psalms also address the issue of flattery. Psalm 12:2-3 laments the prevalence of deceitful speech, including flattery: "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" . This passage underscores the duplicity associated with flattery and calls for divine intervention against those who engage in it.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, flattery is similarly condemned. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes sincerity and truthfulness in speech. In 1 Thessalonians 2:5, Paul defends his ministry by stating, "As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!" . Paul contrasts his genuine approach to ministry with the insincere tactics of others, highlighting the importance of integrity.

Jude 1:16 also warns against those who use flattery for personal gain: "These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogant words; they flatter others to gain advantage" . This verse associates flattery with selfish ambition and arrogance, further emphasizing its negative connotations.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, flattery is seen as contrary to the values of truth and love that are central to Christian teaching. Flattery is often motivated by self-interest rather than a genuine concern for others, making it incompatible with the biblical call to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39).

Moreover, flattery can be a form of idolatry, as it seeks to elevate human approval above God's truth. By prioritizing the opinions of others over divine standards, those who engage in flattery may be led away from a sincere relationship with God.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to avoid flattery and instead speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This involves being honest and sincere in interactions with others, offering encouragement and praise that are genuine and constructive.

The biblical warnings against flattery serve as a reminder to guard one's speech and intentions, ensuring that they align with the principles of honesty, integrity, and love that are foundational to the Christian faith.2505b. chalaq -- to be smooth, slippery
... 2505a, 2505b. chalaq. 2506 . to be smooth, slippery. Transliteration:
chalaq Short Definition: flatters. Word Origin a prim. root ...
/hebrew/2505b.htm - 5k

That the Mind of those who Wish for Pre-Eminence for the Most Part ...
... IX. That the mind of those who wish for pre-eminence for the most part
flatters itself with a feigned promise of good works. But ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter ix that the mind.htm

Whether Flattery is a Mortal Sin?
... harms himself no less than others: wherefore it is written (Ps.36:15): "Let their
sword enter into their own hearts." Now he that flatters another induces him ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether flattery is a mortal.htm

A Divided Heart
... The text might be rendered""Their heart flatters them; now are they found faulty."
There are many cunning flatterers in the world, but the most cunning is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a divided heart.htm

Letter ii. --The Defects of Beginners.
... is hidden in the most secret recesses of the heart; whether it be about natural
qualities, or about those virtues that she may have, or flatters herself that ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter ii the defects of beginners.htm

How the Preacher, when He Has Accomplished all Aright, Should ...
... For virtue strives with vices; the mind flatters itself with a certain delight in
it; and it comes to pass that the soul of a well-doer casts aside the fear of ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/part iv how the preacher.htm

Friendship.
... A wise man never flatters himself, neither does a friend flatter. ... The one who
flatters you despises you, and degrades both you and himself. ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/viii friendship.htm

The Commandments
... is such a difference, because from birth and thus from nature he is in these loves,
and because the delight of these loves continually flatters and pleases him ...
/.../swedenborg/spiritual life and the word of god/part secondthe commandments.htm

Massillon -- the Small Number of the Elect
... life. As every one flatters himself he will not be excluded, it is of
importance to examine if his confidence be well founded. I ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/massillon the small number.htm

Types of Talkers
... He deals in superlatives. He views everything emotionally. He talks feelingly
of trifles, and ecstatically of friends. He gushes. He flatters. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/types of talkers.htm

Further Objections from St. Paul Answered.
... law, (so) that she is not an adulteress if made (wife) to another husband." [670]
But read the sequel as well in order that this sense, which flatters you, may ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter xiii further objections from st.htm

Flatters (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Flatters (5 Occurrences). Psalms 36:2 For he flatters
himself in his own eyes, too much to detect and hate his sin. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/flatters.htm - 7k

Flattering (11 Occurrences)
... & vb. 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

Flattery (11 Occurrences)

/f/flattery.htm - 9k

Flatter (5 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of; as, his portrait
flatters him. 7. (vi) To use flattery or insincere praise. ...
/f/flatter.htm - 8k

Flatterer (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who flatters. Multi-Version Concordance
Flatterer (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 28:23 Whoso is reproving ...
/f/flatterer.htm - 6k

Rebukes (13 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Proverbs 28:23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than one who flatters with the tongue. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/rebukes.htm - 10k

Discovery (24 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Psalms 36:2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes, too much to detect and
hate his sin. (See NAS). Psalms 64:6 Or make discovery of our secret purpose? ...
/d/discovery.htm - 14k

Detect (3 Occurrences)
... His eyes see it afar off. (See NIV). Psalms 36:2 For he flatters himself in
his own eyes, too much to detect and hate his sin. (WEB NIV). ...
/d/detect.htm - 7k

Courtier (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who is in attendance at the court of a prince; one who has an appointment
at court. 2. (n.) One who courts or solicits favor; one who flatters. ...
/c/courtier.htm - 7k

Spreads (31 Occurrences)
... evil like a stream. (See NAS). Proverbs 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet. (WEB RSV). Isaiah 25:11 He ...
/s/spreads.htm - 14k

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