Insincere flattery may temporarily lift someone’s ego, but it ultimately leads both parties astray.
In the book of Proverbs, we read: “A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.” (Proverbs 29:5). This portion of Scripture points out the trap that is laid when someone offers insincere praise. At first, flattery can seem helpful to build social bonds or gain approval, but Solomon’s wisdom reveals that such shallow words can create stumbling blocks for both the flatterer and the receiver. The gracious tone of flattery might conceal hidden motives, breeding misplaced trust or fueling pride.
When “a man who flatters his neighbor” (Proverbs 29:5) moves through his relationships, his words may sound genuine, yet they disguise a lack of real love and honesty. Instead of speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), the flatterer crafts compliments to manipulate or gain personal advantage. The “net” Solomon describes is an apt image of how a person can become ensnared, whether caught by a false sense of security or by the eventual consequences of deception.
The verse mentions no specific historical figure or geographic location, yet it conveys a timeless caution relevant to every culture and era. Throughout Scripture, genuine love and truthfulness are upheld as virtues, aligning with the teachings of Jesus to let our “Yes” be “Yes,” and our “No,”“No” (Matthew 5:37). When relationships are built on sincerity rather than on flattery or pretense, they stand on a firm foundation and glorify God.
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Proverbs 29:5 meaning
In the book of Proverbs, we read: “A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.” (Proverbs 29:5). This portion of Scripture points out the trap that is laid when someone offers insincere praise. At first, flattery can seem helpful to build social bonds or gain approval, but Solomon’s wisdom reveals that such shallow words can create stumbling blocks for both the flatterer and the receiver. The gracious tone of flattery might conceal hidden motives, breeding misplaced trust or fueling pride.
When “a man who flatters his neighbor” (Proverbs 29:5) moves through his relationships, his words may sound genuine, yet they disguise a lack of real love and honesty. Instead of speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), the flatterer crafts compliments to manipulate or gain personal advantage. The “net” Solomon describes is an apt image of how a person can become ensnared, whether caught by a false sense of security or by the eventual consequences of deception.
The verse mentions no specific historical figure or geographic location, yet it conveys a timeless caution relevant to every culture and era. Throughout Scripture, genuine love and truthfulness are upheld as virtues, aligning with the teachings of Jesus to let our “Yes” be “Yes,” and our “No,” “No” (Matthew 5:37). When relationships are built on sincerity rather than on flattery or pretense, they stand on a firm foundation and glorify God.