The Bible provides numerous verses that reference flattery and its implications, emphasizing honesty, sincerity, and truth instead. The following text extracts key insights from these verses, accentuating the implications of flattery and its impact on personal and communal relationships as outlined in biblical teachings.
What is the Biblical Concept of Flattery?
The Bible considers flattery to be disingenuous praise or insincere compliments designed to manipulate or deceive others. This practice is seen as dishonorable and dishonest. Flattery, according to the Bible, often comes from self-interest or deceitful intentions, distorting the truth and potentially leading individuals astray. While the Bible acknowledges the human need for affirmation and praise, it discourages false adulation that masks ulterior intentions.
Why Does the Bible Warn Against Flattery?
The Bible cautions against flattery due to the dangers it presents. It is usually deceptive, capable of distracting individuals from truth and righteousness. The Bible’s teachings stress on the importance of honesty and sincerity in one’s speech, promoting transparency over insincere adulation. By warning against flattery, the Bible encourages respect for truth, valuing sincerity over manipulation or deceit.
Who is Affected by Flattery According to the Bible?
Everyone, from kings to commoners, is susceptible to flattery, according to the Bible. The allure of false praise can lead people to make unwise decisions or act against their better judgment. More than just the individual being flattered, the one flattering is also impacted. Engaging in flattery can erode one’s integrity, highlighting the interpersonal harm that flattery can cause.
When Does the Bible Mention Flattery?
The Bible mentions flattery in different contexts, often associated with warnings, reprimands, or moral lessons. Though it’s not always directly addressed, subtle references to flattery pervade the parables and teachings, serving as a consistent reminder of its harmful potential. The Bible associates flattery with deceit and falsehood, linking it to unwise actions and decisions in various narratives.
What is the Antidote to Flattery in the Bible?
As an antidote to flattery, the Bible promotes sincerity, honesty, and truth. Rather than engaging in false praise or deceitful speech, it encourages uplifting others through truthful and genuine appreciation. The Bible emphasizes that words should be used for edification, not manipulation. It proposes that sincerity in communication fosters trust, enhances relationships, and strengthens communities.
Below is our full list of bible verses on flattery (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Flattery
Proverbs 29:5
“5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.”
Related Themes: Pride Respecting Your Parents Reverence
Proverbs 26:24-28
“24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.”
Related Themes: Deceit Hate Lying Abomination
Proverbs 28:23
“23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.”
Related Themes: Hate
Job 32:21-22
“21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.”
Psalm 5:9
“9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.”
Related Themes: Hypocrisy
Romans 16:18
“18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Related Themes: Manipulation Deceit Indulgence Hypocrisy
Psalm 12:3
“3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:”
Jude 1:16
“16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Division Bragging Hypocrisy
Proverbs 27:6
“6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
Related Themes: Criticism Friendship Dating Telling The Truth Reputation
Proverbs 26:28
“28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.”
Related Themes: Gossip Reaping Reputation Reaping What You Sow Lying
Psalm 12:2
“2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.”
Related Themes: Vanity
Proverbs 6:24
“24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.”
Related Themes: Adultery Lust Attraction
Job 17:5
“5 He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.”
Psalm 36:2
“2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.”
Psalm 12:2-4
“2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?”
Related Themes: Vanity
Psalm 78:36
“36 Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.”
Galatians 1:10
“10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
Related Themes: Pleasing God Peer Pressure Dating Manipulation Opinions
1 Thessalonians 2:5
“5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:”
Luke 6:26
“26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”
Related Themes: Pleasing God Popularity
Psalm 55:21
“21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.”
Related Themes: Hypocrisy
1 John 4:1
“1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
Related Themes: Discernment Confusion Lying Judging Others Magic
Daniel 11:34
“34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.”
Proverbs 10:17
“17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.”
Related Themes: Learning Life Discipline Instruction Pride
