A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
Flattery is a deceptive trap laid for another person, a net spread for his feet that ensnares the one who receives it. It is to be distinguished from honest praise that encourages good work, for flattery lies. It works by sympathizing with a person, by telling him that he is oppressed, or by promising him greater status and freedom, in order to exploit his vanity. In its source and purpose such flattery is satanic.
The priests and scribes used flattering words in an attempt to trap Jesus, illustrating the snare described in the verse. Therefore even the first approach of flattery or fawning should put a person on guard.
Flattery is a deceptive trap laid for another person, a net spread for his feet that ensnares the one who receives it. It is to be distinguished from honest praise that encourages good work, for flattery lies. It works by sympathizing with a person, by telling him that he is oppressed, or by promising him greater status and freedom, in order to exploit his vanity. In its source and purpose such flattery is satanic.
The priests and scribes used flattering words in an attempt to trap Jesus, illustrating the snare described in the verse. Therefore even the first approach of flattery or fawning should put a person on guard.