Proverbs 27:14

We are all fallen and susceptible to sin, so be careful in how much you sing the praises of a brother

 

As a non-morning person, I would take it literally, as written.
There is nothing more -- repulsive, for lack of a more suitable description, than some loudmouth before I've had my first cuppa coffee. Don't like loud anyway, but in the pre-coffee AM, it's despicable!!

But I can also see this referring to someone who is too outwardly "flattering" to the point of being obnoxious. There are other Proverbs that address this issue, and I thing this could very well be a "supplement" to them.

 

From the NET footnote

 

JFB commentary short and sweet:

"Excessive zeal in praising raises suspicions of selfishness."

 

The most common form of manipulation comes packaged in the form of flattery – it’s also the most dangerous. The veil of most “hidden” agendas are also typically cloaked in flattery. The insidious nature of flattery is that it becomes most powerful when it is served to those who thirst for it. Leaders who place their need for adoration and acclaim above serving the needs of others are high value targets for those who would abuse the misplaced trust given to them. If you take one thing away from this post it should be this – the power that comes with a leader’s ability to positively influence others is only trumped by the power given away as they are adversely influenced by others. In the text that follows I’ll share my thoughts on what has been the silent assassin of many a leader – flattery…...

From "Flattery & Manipulation", by Mike Myatt

 

We are all sinners and fall short of God's glory. But be careful for flattery and bragging.