Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: "Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. Acts 24:1-4

The accusers began their attack on Paul by flattering Felix, from whom they wanted favor. It is hard to miss the disingenuous flattery poured out on Felix by Tertullus, the chief spokesman for those accusing Paul. Flattery is a wicked attempt to manipulate those from whom something was wanted. Flattery is resoundingly warned against (and condemned) throughout the Proverbs.

First, it is not wrong to pay someone a legitimate compliment. Such compliments become flattery when they are excessive, over-the-top, and clearly duplicitous. It takes no super powers of discernment, as it is generally quite obvious.

Another indicator that a compliment is flattery is when the compliment is interwoven (or immediately followed) by a request for favor. When “giving” a compliment is intended to obligate a person from whom we hope to “get” something in return, we are “flatterers!”

Second, as Christians we do well to speak kind and even complimentary words to one another. But let us not venture into flattery. And especially as believers, let us acknowledge the Lord’s mercies when complimenting others. Instead of piling on about how great the person is/was, try telling the person how grateful you are to the Lord for blessing you through that one.

Let us neither be flatterers, nor by seduced by flatterers!