Flattery, in the context of false prophets, is a significant theme in the Bible, often associated with deceit and manipulation. False prophets use flattery to gain influence, mislead the faithful, and promote their own agendas, contrary to the truth of God's Word.

Biblical Warnings Against Flattery

The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of flattery, particularly when used by false prophets. Proverbs 29:5 states, "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet." This verse highlights the deceptive nature of flattery, suggesting that it is a trap laid by those with ulterior motives.

Characteristics of False Prophets

False prophets are often characterized by their use of flattery to gain followers and sway public opinion. In Jeremiah 23:16 , the Lord warns, "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD." Here, the false prophets are depicted as those who speak from their own imaginations, using pleasing words to deceive.

Flattery as a Tool for Deception

Flattery is a tool used by false prophets to deceive and lead people away from the truth. In Romans 16:18 , Paul warns the church, "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 nature of flattery, which is used to exploit the unsuspecting.

Consequences of Following Flattery

The Bible makes it clear that following the flattery of false prophets leads to spiritual peril. In Ezekiel 13:10 , God condemns the false prophets, saying, "Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they plaster it with whitewash." This imagery illustrates the false sense of security that flattery can create, ultimately leading to destruction.

Discernment and Vigilance

Believers are called to exercise discernment and vigilance against the flattery of false prophets. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 , Paul advises, "Test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." This exhortation encourages Christians to critically evaluate teachings and reject those that rely on flattery rather than truth.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on flattery and false prophets serve as a cautionary guide for believers. By recognizing the characteristics and tactics of false prophets, Christians can guard against deception and remain steadfast in their faith.1 Kings 22:13
And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth: let your word, I pray you, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with ...
... their fathers to the false prophets." [4029] With equal stress does the Creator,
by His prophet Isaiah, censure those who seek after human flattery and praise ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xv sermon on the mount.htm

Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. )
... Behold, I am against the prophets of false dreams who ... difference between Jeremiah
and the other prophets were also ... that had surely been his by flattery and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 prophets and prophets xxiii.htm

Of Councils and their Authority.
... was a matter above his cognisance, repressed their intemperance by flattery rather
than ... so anxiously admonished by the Lord not to give heed to false prophets? ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of councils and.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Heretics, false prophets, [512]23; names of, [513]217, [514]297, [515]645;
characteristics of ... for the Holy Spirit, [803]540; "oil of a sinner" flattery, [804] ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ...
... trees; she also appointed priests and false prophets to this ... and had saved a hundred
prophets, when Jezebel ... But Elijah, without any flattery, said that he was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how ahab when.htm

The Scales of Judgment
... speak to you like some of the prophets of old ... means whatever of flattering them into
a false declaration; they ... When I get there, the voice of flattery shall be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the scales of judgment.htm

The Clementine Homilies
... Chapter VII.--A Distinction with a Difference. Chapter VIII.--Flattery or Magic. ...
Chapter XXXIV.--Peter's Daily Work. Chapter XXXV.--"Beware of False Prophets.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the clementine homilies/

Matt. x. 34
... His discourse accordingly; lest any one should say it was by flattery He persuaded ...
That is, there were prophets, and false prophets, and the people was divided ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxv matt x 34.htm

False Profession.
... it, is full of pillars"apostles, prophets, and martyrs ... of getting, either by violence,
cozenage, flattery, lying, or ... A hypocrite and a false professor may go ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

Earnest Expostulation
... False prophets in these evil days play into men's hands and hold out the hope that ...
This is a vile flattery of your wicked hearts; but yet remember that even ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/earnest expostulation.htm

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