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<...Go back

How about flattery?


Introduction. The English word flattery is defined as, "a flattering compliment or speech; excessive, insincere praise" (RHCD, pg. 502). The Greek word for flattery is kolakia. Kolakia is defined as, "...words which flattery uses, not simply as an effort to give pleasure, but with motives of self-interest (Vine's Dictionary).

False teachers and flattery. Since false teachers do not have the truth as a source for motivation, they must resort to other means. One often source for motivating others to do their bidding is words of flattery. False teachers us "feigned words" (2 Pet. 2: 3). They do this, Peter said, to "make merchandise of you" (Ibid.). Jude later wrote thus regarding false teachers: "These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts, and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage" (Jude 16). Paul, by contrast, denied using words of flattery, "For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of coveteousness; God is witness" (1 Thes. 2: 5). Paul was genuinely interested in the Thessalonians (1 Thes. 2: 7-13).

Genuine compliments. Some in realizing how false flattery is, avoid any complementation. While Paul did not flatter people (insincere compliment), he often commended. To the Thessalonians he wrote, "For from you sounded out the word of the Lord...in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad..." (1 Thes. 1: 8). Paul issued compliments when the occasion called for such. He called the Philippians his "joy and crown" (Phili. 4: 1). He spoke very highly of Timothy, his son in the gospel (Phili. 2: 20, 21, 1 Tim. 1: 2). In the same text, Paul called some preachers selfish.

Conclusion. Insincere compliments that are given out of self-interest and a desire for self-aggrandizement are to be avoided. However, we should seek opportunities to say complimentary things to people out of sincerity of heart and purpose.
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