In the context of the Bible, the term "pleasers" often refers to individuals who seek to gain favor or approval from others, sometimes at the expense of their own principles or God's commandments. This concept is addressed in various passages, highlighting the tension between pleasing God and pleasing people.

Biblical References:

1. Galatians 1:10 : "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." In this verse, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's approval over human approval. He makes it clear that being a servant of Christ requires a commitment to God's will, even if it means going against popular opinion or human expectations.

2. Ephesians 6:6 : "And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart." Here, Paul instructs believers to serve with sincerity and integrity, not merely to gain favor from others when they are being observed. The focus is on serving God wholeheartedly, which transcends the superficial approval of people.

3. Colossians 3:22 : "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord." This passage echoes the sentiment found in Ephesians, urging believers to act with genuine devotion to God rather than performing for human approval.

4. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 : "Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts." Paul underscores the responsibility of being entrusted with the gospel, which requires a focus on pleasing God, who knows the true intentions of the heart.

Theological Implications:

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of being "people pleasers." This behavior can lead to compromising one's faith and values in order to gain acceptance or avoid conflict. The scriptures encourage believers to seek God's approval above all else, as His judgment is eternal and righteous.

Practical Application:

For Christians, the challenge is to live a life that reflects God's will, even when it contradicts societal norms or expectations. This involves making decisions based on biblical principles rather than the desire for human approval. It requires courage and conviction to stand firm in one's faith, trusting that God's approval is of ultimate importance.

Character Studies:

· Daniel: An exemplary figure who chose to please God rather than men, even when faced with the threat of death (Daniel 6). His unwavering faith serves as a model for believers who strive to prioritize God's will.

· Peter and John: In Acts 4:19-20, when commanded by the Sanhedrin to stop preaching in Jesus' name, they replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." Their boldness in prioritizing God's command over human authority is a testament to their commitment to pleasing God.

Conclusion:

The biblical perspective on pleasers is clear: while it is natural to desire acceptance, the ultimate goal for believers is to seek God's approval. This requires a steadfast commitment to living according to His word, regardless of the pressures or expectations from others.441. anthropareskos -- man-pleasing
... Word Origin from anthropos and areskos (pleasing) Definition man-pleasing NASB Word
Usage men-pleasers (1), please men (1), those who...please men (1). fawning. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/441.htm - 6k

To Self-Pleasers.
... XXXII."To Self-Pleasers. If place or time is favourable, or the person has advanced,
let there be a new judge. Why now art thou lifted up thence? ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/xxxii to self-pleasers.htm

Colossians iii. 18-25
... constraint. "Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers." Make, he saith, thy
service which is by the law, to be from the fear of Christ. ...
/.../homily x colossians iii 18-25.htm

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... to the flesh, are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart,
as unto Christ; not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers: but as ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

The Instructions of Commodianus in favour of Christian Discipline
... XXX.--Rich Men, Be Humble. XXXI.--To Judges. XXXII.--To Self-Pleasers.
XXXIII.--To the Gentiles. XXXIV.--Moreover, to Ignorant Gentiles. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/

Disobedience Causeth God's Name to be Blasphemed.
... Let us blot out from us our former sins, and repenting from the soul let us be saved;
and let us not become [3934] men-pleasers, nor let us desire to please ...
/.../the second epistle of clement/chap xiii disobedience causeth gods name.htm

Of Loving Our Enemies.
... This do also the robbers and the publicans." [666] And those that do good
it teaches not to boast, lest they become men-pleasers. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xiv of loving our enemies.htm

God's Name not to be Blasphemed.
... Let us wipe out from us our former sins, and repenting from the heart be saved;
and let us not be men-pleasers, nor be willing to please one another only, but ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter xiii gods name not to.htm

That in Adam's Sin an Evil Will Preceded the Evil Act.
... And therefore the holy Scriptures designate the proud by another name, "self-pleasers."
For it is good to have the heart lifted up, yet not to one's self, for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 13 that in adams sin.htm

Petty Dishonesty.
... S. Paul bids all who serve others"we all do that in one way or another"do their
duty, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as though they were ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xlvi petty dishonesty.htm

Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ...
... It is better to be the lowest servant of Christ than to be the greatest of men,
and remain slaves to your own lusts, or be mere men-pleasers. ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/christ and his table-companions and.htm

Pleasers (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pleasers (2 Occurrences). Ephesians 6:6 not in the
way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers...
/p/pleasers.htm - 7k

Men-pleasers (2 Occurrences)
Men-pleasers. Menpleasers, Men-pleasers. Men's . Multi-Version
Concordance Men-pleasers (2 Occurrences). Ephesians 6 ...
/m/men-pleasers.htm - 7k

Win (27 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:6 not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers;
but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; (See NIV). ...
/w/win.htm - 14k

Bondmen (117 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:6 not with eye-service as men-pleasers; but as bondmen of Christ,
doing the will of God from the soul, (DBY). Philippians ...
/b/bondmen.htm - 35k

Please (324 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:6 not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers;
but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; (Root in ...
/p/please.htm - 36k

Favor (184 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:6 not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers;
but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; (See NIV). ...
/f/favor.htm - 40k

Fearing (107 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according
to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in ...
/f/fearing.htm - 35k

Eye-service (2 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according
to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of ...
/e/eye-service.htm - 7k

External (8 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters
according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in ...
/e/external.htm - 9k

Eye-services (1 Occurrence)
... Colossians 3:22 Bondmen, obey in all things your masters according to flesh; not
with eye-services, as men-pleasers, but in simplicity of heart, fearing the ...
/e/eye-services.htm - 6k

How can I stop being a people-pleaser? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to have a double tongue? | GotQuestions.org

Is “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” a true statement? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus