Flattery, in the biblical context, is often portrayed as insincere praise or excessive compliments given with ulterior motives. It is a form of deceit that can lead individuals away from truth and righteousness. The Bible provides numerous warnings against the dangers of flattery and advises believers to be cautious of those who employ it.

Biblical Warnings Against Flattery

The Scriptures consistently caution against the use of flattery, highlighting its potential to deceive and corrupt. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin." This verse underscores the destructive nature of flattery, equating it with lies that can lead to harm and downfall.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns the Thessalonians about the use of flattery as a tool for manipulation. In 1 Thessalonians 2:5 , he writes, "As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!" Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of sincerity and integrity in communication, contrasting it with the deceitful nature of flattery.

Characteristics of Flattery

Flattery is often characterized by its insincerity and hidden agendas. It is used to gain favor, manipulate, or exploit others for personal gain. Proverbs 29:5 warns, "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet." This imagery suggests that flattery is a trap, ensnaring those who are susceptible to its allure.

The Psalms also address the issue of flattery, associating it with wickedness and deceit. Psalm 12:2 laments, "They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart." This verse highlights the duplicity involved in flattery, where the speaker's true intentions are masked by false praise.

Avoiding Those Given to Flattery

The Bible advises believers to be discerning and to avoid those who are prone to flattery. Proverbs 20:19 instructs, "He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips." This counsel extends to those who use flattery as a means of spreading deceit and causing division.

In Romans 16:17-18 , Paul warns the church in Rome to be vigilant against those who use smooth talk and flattery to deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. He writes, "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 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."

The Righteous Response to Flattery

Believers are called to respond to flattery with wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 28:23 offers insight into the value of honest rebuke over insincere praise: "He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue." This verse encourages the pursuit of truth and integrity, even when it may be uncomfortable or challenging.

In seeking to live a life pleasing to God, Christians are encouraged to cultivate sincerity and to speak the truth in love, avoiding the pitfalls of flattery and deceit. Ephesians 4:15 exhorts believers to "speak the truth in love," fostering genuine relationships built on trust and honesty rather than manipulation and falsehood.Proverbs 20:19
He that goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flatters with his lips.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Virtue must Never be Given up for the Sake of a Friend. ...
... It blames not witness given against a friend, but false ... 771] for as friendship ought
to avoid flattery, so, too ... the poor are generally better than those of the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxii virtue must never.htm

The Epistle of Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria to Alexander ...
... to the Son likewise must be given the honour ... name of peace, and by hypocrisy and
flattery to obtain ... I beseech you, beloved brethren, to avoid those who have ...
/.../chapter iii the epistle of alexander.htm

Meditation and Reflection.
... breathing incessantly the poisoned atmosphere of flattery and adulation ... to her only
confused souvenirs of those days when ... of virtue, in order to avoid the evil ...
/.../serious hours of a young lady/chapter xviii meditation and reflection.htm

Paul Before Felix.
... With this tissue of flattery and falsehood, let us ... domestic comfort, as it will be
prudent to avoid. ... cautiously avoided the repetition of those truths, which ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvii paul before felix.htm

Letter xiv. --On Reserve with a Director.
... To avoid this danger there is only one means; not to ... those who guide us must be
enlightened by others about ... Examine yourself without any flattery as to this two ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xiv on reserve with a.htm

Works and Letters of St. Ambrose
... who are easily bought over with money or flattery is ... of the book brings an exhortation
to avoid ill-will ... What those who were to be initiated promised on entering ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/

The General Service to a Hiero-Confessor or Monk-Confessor.
... of thine instruction, OGod-spoken father, avoid the abyss ... having dried up the streams
of flattery, made incorruption ... of the heavenly joy all those that honour ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxv the general service.htm

Epistle Liv. Here Follows the Epistle of Saint Licinianus, Bishop ...
... to hide thyself in order to avoid the weight of ... But put not this down to flattery
or adulation ... determined on maturer consideration to change those homilies into ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle liv here follows the.htm

Matt. xii. 38, 39
... time moved to anger, nor at the other softened by flattery. ... men, but also by the
time of those days ... the devil, blotting out these truths, to avoid the annulling ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliii matt xii 38.htm

The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals.
... children of kings, corrupted by luxury and flattery, living in ... out of nothing, think
of all those which my speech has left out, to avoid tediousness, and ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily viii the creation of.htm

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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