“The one who rebukes a person will in the end gain more favor than the one who has a flattering tongue.” – Proverbs 28:23
Bible Verses About Flattery
Proverbs 29:5 – People use flattery to get what they want, but it can lead to ruin.
“Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.” – Proverbs 29:5
Proverbs 26:28 – Deceitful words can lead to ruin.
“A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” – Proverbs 26:28
Psalm 12:2 – Flattering lips often speak lies.
“Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.” – Psalm 12:2
Proverbs 7:21 – Flattery can lead one astray.
“With much seductive speech she persuades him; her smooth talk compels him.” – Proverbs 7:21
Romans 16:18 – Flattery can deceive the unwary.
“For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” – Romans 16:18
Proverbs 20:19 – A gossip reveals secrets.
“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” – Proverbs 20:19
1 Thessalonians 2:5 – Paul did not use flattery.
“For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:5
Proverbs 16:28 – Flattery can lead to destruction.
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Job 32:21-22 – Flattery should not guide speech.
“Let me not accept any man’s flattery; nor will I be drawn into any human falsehood.” – Job 32:21-22
Proverbs 2:16 – Flattery can lead to the downfall of the wise.
“So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.” – Proverbs 2:16
Ecclesiastes 10:12 – Wise words are better than flattery.
“The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.” – Ecclesiastes 10:12
Psalm 78:36-37 – God knows the true intent behind flattery.
“But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.” – Psalm 78:36-37
Proverbs 11:13 – Trustworthiness is more valuable than flattery.
“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” – Proverbs 11:13
Proverbs 31:30 – Charm and beauty are deceptive.
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30
Isaiah 30:10 – People want smooth words rather than truth.
“Who say to the seers, ‘Do not see,’ and to the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions.’” – Isaiah 30:10
James 1:26 – True religion involves speaking with honesty.
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” – James 1:26
Psalm 36:2 – Flattery can be deceptive.
“For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.” – Psalm 36:2
Proverbs 3:3 – Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you.
“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.” – Proverbs 3:3
2 Peter 2:18 – Empty words lead the way to ruin.
“For speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.” – 2 Peter 2:18
Proverbs 31:28 – Children rise and call mothers blessed.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” – Proverbs 31:28
Proverbs 10:19 – Control your tongue to minimize trouble.
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” – Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 22:14 – Flattery can lead to destruction.
“The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the LORD falls into it.” – Proverbs 22:14
Matthew 23:12 – Those who exalt themselves will be humbled.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Proverbs 26:25 – The heart determines if words are genuine.
“When he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart.” – Proverbs 26:25
Proverbs 14:15 – The simple believe everything.
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” – Proverbs 14:15
Proverbs 7:5 – Avoid the seductive whisperer.
“To keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.” – Proverbs 7:5
Final Thoughts
In thinking about the verses on flattery, it’s clear that the Bible encourages us to be sincere. Flattery, while it might feel good in the moment, often hides deceit and can lead to serious consequences. The verses remind us that it is the intention behind our words that truly matters. We should strive to speak the truth in love and build each other up authentically rather than use sweet words that have no real foundation behind them. It’s important for us to be honorable in our communication, leading with integrity and honesty.
As we reflect on our interactions with others, let us consider how we can communicate in ways that promote love and unity, rather than flattery. If you’re interested in support through scripture, consider reading about leading others to Christ or exploring communication with others.
There are many more Bible verses that can encourage and guide us in different areas of our lives. Feel free to explore!