Flatteries, in the biblical context, refer to insincere praise or commendation, often used to manipulate or deceive others for personal gain. The Bible addresses the concept of flattery extensively, warning against its dangers and the deceitful nature of those who employ it.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, flattery is often associated with deceit and wickedness. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin." This verse highlights the destructive power of flattery, equating it with lies and suggesting that it can lead to the downfall of both the flatterer and the one who is flattered.

Psalm 12:2-3 further illustrates the negative view of flattery: "They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things." Here, flattery is linked with falsehood and pride, and the psalmist calls for divine intervention against those who use it.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues to caution against flattery, particularly in the context of false teachings and deceit. In Romans 16:18 , Paul warns the church in Rome, "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, used by those who seek to lead others astray from the truth of the Gospel.

1 Thessalonians 2:5 provides insight into the apostolic approach to ministry, contrasting it with the use of flattery: "As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!" Paul emphasizes the sincerity and integrity of his ministry, rejecting flattery as a tool for personal gain.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible consistently portrays flattery as morally and ethically problematic. It is often associated with ulterior motives, such as manipulation, deceit, and self-interest. The use of flattery is seen as contrary to the values of honesty, integrity, and genuine love that are central to Christian teachings.

Proverbs 29:5 warns, "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet." This proverb suggests that flattery can entrap both the giver and the receiver, leading to moral and spiritual peril. The ethical teachings of the Bible encourage believers to speak truthfully and to avoid using flattery as a means of achieving selfish ends.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, flattery is depicted as a dangerous and deceitful practice that undermines truth and integrity. Believers are called to be wary of those who use flattery and to cultivate a spirit of honesty and sincerity in their interactions with others.(n.) Plural of Flattery.

Letter Xlv (Circa AD 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards ...
... Did he take you by force? Nay, he begged, not insisted; attracted you by flatteries,
not dragged you by violence. Who forced you to yield to his flatteries? ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xlv circa a d 1120.htm

That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet ...
... him sinning, he does not presume to reprove them, lest their affection for himself
should grow dull; nay sometimes he smooths down with flatteries the offence ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter viii that the ruler.htm

A Confirmation of what Hath Been Said, Particularly of the ...
... of them will endeavour busily to hinder thee from going forward; yea, and if they
can by any means, they will, either by persuasions, flatteries, or violence ...
/.../chapter vi a confirmation of.htm

The Home-Parlor.
... with her circumstance and custom, her sympathies, antipathies and divers kinds of
conversation; form and profession reign there; flatteries and hypocrisies ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxii the home-parlor.htm

The Parable of the Pilgrim
... Indeed, if they can by any means, they will, either by persuasions, flatteries,
or violence, force you to return to your former habits of sinfulness. ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/the parable of the pilgrim.htm

To Urban vi
... And it does not draw back from pursuing the salvation of their souls and bodies
for any ingratitude found in them, nor for the threats or flatteries of man; but ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to urban vi.htm

The victory of the God-Beloved Emperors.
... others, I have thought meet to remind thy firmness in this epistle [2774] also that
thou shouldst lead our provincials rather by flatteries and exhortations to ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ix the victory of the.htm

Antichrist in Daniel
... up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom: but he shall
come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries." The history of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 antichrist in daniel.htm

The Christian Race.
... That man that is resolved for heaven, if Satan cannot win him by flatteries, he
will endeavor to weaken him by discouragements, saying, Thou art a sinner, thou ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xiii the christian race.htm

Antichrist.
... did willingly admit him there to sit as such; he had covered his cloven foot; he
had plums in his dragon's mouth, and so came in by flatteries, promising to do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Flatteries (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Flattery. Multi-Version Concordance
Flatteries (3 Occurrences). Daniel 11:21 In his place ...
/f/flatteries.htm - 7k

Blandishments (3 Occurrences)
... up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but
he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries...
/b/blandishments.htm - 7k

Flattery (11 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Daniel 11:32 And those acting wickedly 'against' the covenant, he defileth
by flatteries; and the people knowing their God are strong, and have wrought. ...
/f/flattery.htm - 9k

Flattering (11 Occurrences)

/f/flattering.htm - 9k

Violate (14 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:32 Such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he pervert by flatteries;
but the people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. ...
/v/violate.htm - 10k

Kingship (17 Occurrences)
... hath a despicable one, and they have not given unto him the honour of the kingdom,
and he hath come in quietly, and hath strengthened the kingdom by flatteries...
/k/kingship.htm - 11k

Godlessness (3 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:32 And those acting wickedly 'against' the covenant, he defileth by
flatteries; and the people knowing their God are strong, and have wrought. ...
/g/godlessness.htm - 7k

Invade (15 Occurrences)
... up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but
he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries...
/i/invade.htm - 11k

Intrigue (3 Occurrences)
... up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but
he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries...
/i/intrigue.htm - 7k

Flattereth (6 Occurrences)

/f/flattereth.htm - 7k

Flatteries: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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