What Does the Bible Say About Flattery?

1. #1Proverbs 29:5

   A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

   BSBA man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

2. #2Proverbs 26:24-28

   He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

   BSBA hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

3. #3Proverbs 28:23

   He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

   BSBHe who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

4. #4Romans 16:18

   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.

   BSBFor such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

5. #5Job 32:21-22

   Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

   BSBI will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man. For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.

6. #6Psalms 5:9

   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.

   BSBFor not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.

7. #71 Thessalonians 2:1-20

   For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. …

   BSBYou yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not in vain. As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God. For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery. 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. As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. …

8. #8Jude 1:16

   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.

   BSBThese men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.

9. #9Psalms 12:3

   The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:

   BSBMay the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.

10. #10Proverbs 27:6

    Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

    BSBThe wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

11. #11Proverbs 26:28

    A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

    BSBA lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

Verse rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY). Scripture: KJV & BSB (public domain).

Flattery in Nave's Topical Bible

Flattery in Torrey's Topical Textbook

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• Backstabber
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