What does the Bible say

What Does the Bible Say About Flattery?

The Bible warns that flattery is a form of deceit, praise offered not to bless but to manipulate, and that a flattering mouth works ruin. It contrasts the smooth words of the flatterer with the faithful, sometimes uncomfortable, words of a true friend, calling us to sincerity rather than empty or self-serving praise.

What Scripture says

Here are real verses on flattery, each in the King James Version, with a word on what it means.

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.Proverbs 26:28 (KJV)

A flattering mouth worketh ruin.

A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.Proverbs 29:5 (KJV)

A man that flatters his neighbour spreads a net for his feet.

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.Psalm 12:2 (KJV)

They speak vanity with flattering lips and a double heart.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.Proverbs 27:6 (KJV)

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

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.Romans 16:18 (KJV)

By good words and fair speeches they deceive the hearts of the simple.

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:1 Thessalonians 2:5 (KJV)

Neither used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness.

What this means for you today

Flattery differs from honest encouragement in its motive: it praises to gain something, not to bless. Scripture warns that its smooth words are actually a trap, both for the one flattered and the flatterer.

A true friend, by contrast, will sometimes tell you a hard truth for your good. Learning to give sincere encouragement, and to receive honest correction, keeps us from both flattery and its opposite.

The deepest answer is Jesus

Jesus spoke only truth, encouraging and correcting from pure love, never manipulating; he frees us to speak sincerely to one another.

Every one of these Scriptures points beyond itself to a Person. The deepest answer the Bible gives to any human need is not a rule or a technique but Jesus Christ, who came, lived, died, and rose again so that you could be forgiven and brought home to God. He said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Whatever you are carrying, you do not have to carry it alone, and you do not have to make yourself clean first. You can come to him today, just as you are.

This is the good news the whole Bible is telling. We were made for God, we have all turned from him and gone our own way, and none of us can fix that on our own. But God did not leave us there. Out of love he sent his Son to take our place, bearing our wrong on the cross and rising again to open the way back to the Father. Everyone who turns to Jesus and trusts him is forgiven, given new life, and welcomed as a beloved child of God, held by a love that will never let go. That is why the Bible's answer to every topic on this page finally leads here. You can respond right now, in your own words, simply telling God you need him and asking Jesus to be your Saviour and Lord. He hears the honest prayer of anyone who comes.

Related: Integrity · Compassion · Gentleness · Meekness · Selfishness · All topics