“He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore, do not associate with one who flatters with his lips” (Proverbs 20:19).
Flattery is a type of lying which takes the form of excessive, insincere praise. Its evil motivation is to secure good will from another so that he/she is inclined to think favorably of the speaker and grant an exclusive tidbit of personal information.
Solomon clearly connects the hidden motive of flattery to its overt behavior—talebearing. The Pharisees did this with Jesus. When seeking to entangle Him in His talk (Mat. 22:15), they sent their disciples to Him with this load of flattery: “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think…” (Mat. 22:16-17).
Though the content of their statement was accurate (because deity is no respecter of persons—Rom. 2:11), their intent was flattery. They were hoping to disable Jesus’ spiritual defenses with the chloroform of praise just long enough to get Him ensnared in their trap.
Beware when anyone who is a talebearer about others starts spraying the perfume of flattery on you. They have not stopped their talebearing ways; they have just identified and targeted you as their next potential victim.
