Flattery, in the biblical context, is often portrayed as insincere praise or excessive compliments given with the intention of manipulating or deceiving others. It is generally viewed negatively in Scripture, as it can lead to pride, deceit, and moral compromise. The Bible warns against the dangers of flattery and encourages believers to seek truth and sincerity in their interactions.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, flattery is frequently associated with deceit and wickedness. The Book of Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, provides several insights into the nature and consequences of flattery. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin." This verse highlights the destructive potential of flattery, equating it with lies that can harm relationships and lead to downfall.

Another pertinent reference is found in Proverbs 29:5 : "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet." Here, flattery is likened to a trap, suggesting that those who engage in it may ensnare themselves or others in harmful situations. The imagery of a "net" implies entanglement and danger, warning against the seductive nature of flattery.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues to caution against flattery, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and truthfulness. In the Epistle to the Romans, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of flattery in the context of false teachers. Romans 16:18 warns, "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." This passage underscores the manipulative use of flattery by those who seek to lead others astray for personal gain.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 2:5 , Paul reflects on his own ministry, stating, "As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!" Here, Paul contrasts his genuine approach to ministry with the deceitful tactics of others, reinforcing the value of integrity and transparency.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, flattery is seen as contrary to the character of God, who is described as truthful and just. Flattery often stems from selfish motives, seeking to gain favor or advantage through deceit rather than through honest and upright behavior. This stands in opposition to the biblical call for believers to love one another sincerely and to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of humility and to avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-exaltation that flattery can foster. In James 4:6 , it is written, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This verse serves as a reminder that God values humility and sincerity over empty praise and manipulation.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, Christians are urged to be discerning in their interactions, recognizing the potential harm of flattery and choosing instead to build relationships on a foundation of truth and love. This involves being honest in one's praise and encouragement, ensuring that words are used to edify and uplift rather than to deceive or manipulate.

Furthermore, believers are called to be wary of those who use flattery for personal gain, remaining steadfast in their commitment to truth and righteousness. By doing so, they align themselves with the teachings of Scripture and reflect the character of Christ in their lives.(n.) The act or practice of flattering; the act of pleasing by artful commendation or compliments; adulation; false, insincere, or excessive praise.2850. kolakeia -- flattery
... flattery. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kolakeia Phonetic Spelling:
(kol-ak-i'-ah) Short Definition: flattery Definition: flattery, with a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2850.htm - 6k2514. chalaqqah -- smoothness, flattery
... 2513b, 2514. chalaqqah. 2515 . smoothness, flattery. Transliteration: chalaqqah
Phonetic Spelling: (khal-ak-kaw') Short Definition: smooth. ... flattery. ...
/hebrew/2514.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

2506. cheleq -- portion, tract, territory
... territory (1). flattery, inheritance, part, partake, portion. From chalaq;
properly, smoothness (of the tongue); also an allotment ...
/hebrew/2506.htm - 6k

2519. chalaqlaqqoth -- smoothness
... flattery, slippery. By reduplication from chalaq; properly, something very smooth;
ie A treacherous spot; figuratively, blandishment -- flattery, slippery. ...
/hebrew/2519.htm - 6k

4260. machamaah -- smoother than butter
... than butter. A denominative from chem'ah; something buttery (ie Unctuous and pleasant),
as (figuratively) flattery -- X than butter. see HEBREW chem'ah. ...
/hebrew/4260.htm - 6k

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

Whether Flattery is a Sin?
... OF FLATTERY (TWO ARTICLES) Whether flattery is a sin? Objection 1: It seems
that flattery is not a sin. For flattery consists in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether flattery is a sin.htm

Of Flattery (Two Articles)
... OF FLATTERY (TWO ARTICLES). We must now consider the vices opposed to the aforesaid
virtue: (1) Flattery, and (2) Quarreling. ... (1) Whether flattery is a sin? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of flattery two articles .htm

Whether Flattery is a Mortal Sin?
... OF FLATTERY (TWO ARTICLES) Whether flattery is a mortal sin? Objection
1: It seems that flattery is a mortal sin. For, according ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether flattery is a mortal.htm

Flattery or Magic.
... Homily V. Chapter VIII."Flattery or Magic. ... But neither is it easy to persuade
her by flattery, for the woman is very much of a philosopher.'. ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter viii flattery or magic.htm

Of Flattery.
... Section VIII. Of Flattery. The last of Verbal injuries to our Neighbor which
I shall mention, is Flattery. This is indeed the fatalest ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section viii of flattery.htm

That Flattery is Pernicious.
... Third Book. 115. That flattery is pernicious. In Isaiah: "They who call you blessed,
lead you into error, and trouble the paths of your feet." [4627]. ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/115 that flattery is pernicious.htm

Whether Quarreling is a More Grievous Sin than Flattery?
... OF QUARRELING (TWO ARTICLES) Whether quarreling is a more grievous sin
than flattery? Objection 1 ... viz. adulation or flattery. For ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether quarreling is a more.htm

The Good Faith of those who are Easily Bought Over with Money or ...
... Book II. Chapter XXIII. The good faith of those who are easily bought
over with money or flattery is? The good faith of those ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxiii the good faith.htm

The Truth Probably Is, that the Scandalous Tales are True, While ...
... Section 17. The truth probably is, that the scandalous tales are true, while the
divine attributes ascribed to them are due to the flattery of the poets. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 17 the truth probably.htm

Letter v. --A Testimonial.
... For assuredly no one would ever charge me with flattery, when I say this, if he
were to look at my age and your life: for grey hairs are out of season for ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter v a testimonial.htm

Flattery (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Flattery (11 Occurrences). ... Job 17:5 He that speaketh flattery
to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail. (KJV JPS WBS). ...
/f/flattery.htm - 9k

Court (172 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) Attention directed to a person in power; conduct or address designed to
gain favor; courtliness of manners; civility; compliment; flattery. ...
/c/court.htm - 47k

Herod (45 Occurrences)
... environment and with a different character, Herod the Great might have been worthy
of the surname which he now bears only as a tribute of inane flattery. ...
/h/herod.htm - 57k

Utterly (170 Occurrences)
... men of that stamp are not bondservants of Christ our Lord, but are slaves to their
own appetites; and by their plausible words and their flattery they utterly ...
/u/utterly.htm - 39k

Greed (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery,
as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness), (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/greed.htm - 12k

Wayward (14 Occurrences)
... thee. (ASV). Proverbs 6:24 to keep you from the immoral woman, from the
flattery of the wayward wife's tongue. (WEB NIV). Proverbs ...
/w/wayward.htm - 9k

Immoral (16 Occurrences)
... falsehood. (WEB NAS NIV). Proverbs 6:24 to keep you from the immoral woman,
from the flattery of the wayward wife's tongue. (WEB NIV). ...
/i/immoral.htm - 11k

Fawn (2 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) A servile cringe or bow; mean flattery; sycophancy. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. FAWN. fon. See DEER. Multi-Version Concordance Fawn (2 Occurrences ...
/f/fawn.htm - 7k

Foreigner's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Foreigner's (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 6:24 To keep thee
from the evil woman, From the flattery of the foreigner's tongue. (ASV). ...
/f/foreigner's.htm - 6k

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

What does the Bible say about flattery? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about sincerity? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about honesty? | GotQuestions.org

Flattery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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