flattery
What does the Bible say about flattery? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
11 passages · most helpful first
5A man who speaks to his friend with flattering and feigned words spreads a net for his own feet.
24An enemy is known by his lips, though it is from his heart that he draws out deceit. 25When he will have lowered his voice, do not believe him, for there are seven vices in his heart. 26Whoever covers hatred with deceit, his malice shall be revealed in the assembly. 27Whoever digs a pit will fall into it. And whoever rolls a stone, it will roll back to him. 28A false tongue does not love truth. And a slippery mouth works ruin.
23Whoever corrects a man, afterward he shall find favor with him, more so than he who deceives him with a flattering tongue.
18For ones such as these do not serve Christ our Lord, but their inner selves, and, through pleasing words and skillful speaking, they seduce the hearts of the innocent.
21I will not esteem the reputation of a man, and I will not equate God with man. 22For I do not know how long I will continue, and whether, after a while, my Maker might take me away.
10For there is no truth in their mouth: their heart is vain.
1For you yourselves know, brothers, that our acceptance among you was not empty. 2Instead, having previously suffered and been treated shamefully, as you know, at Philippi, we had confidence in our God, so as to speak the Gospel of God to you with much solicitude. 3For our exhortation was not in error, nor from impurity, nor with deception. 4But, just as we have been tested by God, so that the Gospel would be entrusted to us, so also did we speak, not so as to please men, but rather to please God, who tests our hearts. 5And neither did we, at any time, become flattering in speech, as you know, nor did we seek an opportunity for avarice, as God is witness. 6Nor did we seek the glory of men, neither from you, nor from others.
4May the Lord scatter all deceitful lips, along with the tongue that speaks malice.
16These ones are complaining murmurers, walking according to their own desires. And their mouth is speaking arrogance, admiring persons for the sake of gain.
6The wounds of a loved one are better than the deceitful kisses of a hateful one.
28A false tongue does not love truth. And a slippery mouth works ruin.