Flattery - What's the definition?

Is this a test? :saint:

I cheated - I did a search on bible gateway.

It seems from these verses that flattery is false speech, using words to make someone feel good in order to manipulate, deceive, or to get something.

1. Job 17:5
   
   • King James Version (KJV)
     He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
     Job 17:4-6 (in Context) Job 17 (Whole Chapter)

1. Job 32:22
2. New International Version (NIV)
   for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.
   Job 32:21-22 (in Context) Job 32 (Whole Chapter)

• New Living Translation (NLT)
  For if I tried flattery,my Creator would soon destroy me.
  Job 32:21-22 (in Context) Job 32 (Whole Chapter)

1. Psalm 5:9
   
   • New Living Translation (NLT)
     My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.Their deepest desire is to destroy others.Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.Their tongues are filled with flattery.
     Psalm 5:8-10 (in Context) Psalm 5 (Whole Chapter)
2. Proverbs 6:24
   
   • King James Version (KJV)
     To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
     Proverbs 6:23-25 (in Context) Proverbs 6 (Whole Chapter)
3. Proverbs 7:5
   
   • New Living Translation (NLT)
     Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.
     Proverbs 7:4-6 (in Context) Proverbs 7 (Whole Chapter)
4. Proverbs 7:21
   
   • New Living Translation (NLT)
     So she seduced him with her pretty speechand enticed him with her flattery.
     Proverbs 7:20-22 (in Context) Proverbs 7 (Whole Chapter)
5. Proverbs 28:23
   
   • New Living Translation (NLT)
     In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
     Proverbs 28:22-24 (in Context) Proverbs 28 (Whole Chapter)
6. Daniel 11:21
   
   • New Living Translation (NLT)
     “The next to come to power will be a despicable man who is not in line for royal succession. He will slip in when least expected and take over the kingdom by flattery and intrigue.
     Daniel 11:20-22 (in Context) Daniel 11 (Whole Chapter)
7. Daniel 11:32
   
   • New International Version (NIV)
     With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.
     Daniel 11:31-33 (in Context) Daniel 11 (Whole Chapter)
8. Romans 16:18
   
   • New International Version (NIV)
     For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
     Romans 16:17-19 (in Context) Romans 16 (Whole Chapter)

1. 1 Thessalonians 2:5
2. New International Version (NIV)
   You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.
   1 Thessalonians 2:4-6 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 2 (Whole Chapter)

• New Living Translation (NLT)
  Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money!
  1 Thessalonians 2:4-6 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 2 (Whole Chapter)

Why did you bring this topic up?

 

You are the most wonderful person for asking that question.

 

And your comedy is better than Jay Leno's!

 

Just a question, not a debate, but what if the 'flattery' is something true about the person? Is it considered something else then, not flattery?

 

The best way to avoid it is to disarm it. When someone compliments you when you know you don't deserve it. Don't let it give you a proud feeling but instead be aware that that someone is about to try to manipulate you for there own purposes.
MB

 

That isn't saying murch.

 

It's the purpose and intent that makes it flattery: it is used to take advantage of the person to whom it is applied .

God can be flattered, but he is never deceived by it, nor is he taken advantage of by it either.:godisgood:

 

I think there's a difference between flattery and a compliment. A compliment is a sincere statement.

Flattery is done in order to manipulate, "butter" someone up so you can get something from him/her. Whether what you say is true or not is really irrelevant here - it's the aim to manipulate or get something.

One can also fall for flattery, so that when it's done on you, you give in to it in a bad way.

 

Your wisdom is better than Solomon's!


(But your spelling leaves something to be desired.)

 

This obsession you have with me must stop! You deserve so MURCH better than I could ever offer such a nice person as yourself!

 

What if someone compliments you and does not have the motive to take advantage and use the flattery against you, or to manipulate you, aren't seeking to decieve or get anything?

 

So flattery and a compliment are basically the same thing with different intents.
Guess this answers the question I just posted to salamader.

 

Read the following poem. It explains pretty well the dangers of FLATTERY, and why the scripture condemns it.

 

You are speaking of simple flattery which amounts to a compliment.

 

Thanks you and Marcia have helped me to know the difference.
New question comes to mind.
How do you know the difference when someone is complementing you or using flattery to get something their way?

 

You'll have to play that out I suppose, unless you KNOW the person is out to get something.

I've had a hard time learning this, especially from church members who only want to take advantage of my expertise for thier own gain.

I believe in helping those of the household of faith, it does bother me when all they want to do is help themselves.

People play little games to try and tease others into trusting them. Too many times it is to either get what they want from them monetarilly, or to impugn their character as if it gains them popularity or honor.

I like the "tried and true" brethren, the hypocrites can take a walk!

 

:laugh::wavey::godisgood::thumbs: