Flattering To Death - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) April 28, 2026

We've all met someone well-versed in flattery. Maybe it was that kid who always 'sucked up' to the teacher. Or, a coworker who uses words and actions to score 'brownie points' with a supervisor. While flattery may seem very normal in the world we live in, and it might even appear to work, the word of God says otherwise. The Cambridge Dictionary defines flattery as the act of praising someone, often in a way that is not sincere, because you want something from them. At its very foundation, it is insincere, manipulative, and a form of deception which God has warned us against. Nobody claiming to be a believer in Christ and God the Father should be using this evil ploy.

The devil is the father of lies, and flattery is a weapon it uses to destroy people. Herod Agrippa was the powerful king of Judea, but he lacked godly wisdom. He received some emissaries seeking to gain favor and food for their cities. He dressed in his finery, sat on his throne, and gave a speech, likely because he liked to hear his own voice. As politicians, his visitors clapped and praised him, saying nothing about the actual message he shared. Instead, they complimented his voice. He was too puffed up even to notice. They said, "It isn't a man speaking, but a god!" (Acts 12:22 GNT).

At no point did he stop them from giving him excessive praise or from comparing him to God. And this likely was not the first time people had done such. These ambassadors had surely studied him to know what to say to achieve their goals. While being showered with praise, Agrippa had unknowingly crossed the Vashti Line. An angel of God struck him with a sickness for accepting "the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died" (Acts 12:23 NLT).

Those people flattered Agrippa to death. Being from Tyre and Sidon, they were unaware of Proverbs 29:5 - Flattery is nothing less than setting a trap (CEV). This verse describes what they did to their host. We know they lied to curry favor from him because they focused on something only a deluded person would consider praiseworthy during a diplomatic meeting - the sound of their voice. Whether they knew it or not, these men agreed with satan and used its tactics. The Bible doesn't indicate what happened to them, but if scripture is any guide, then we have a clue. Liars are hellbound if they refuse to repent (Revelation 21:8).

Despite being Jewish, Agrippa failed to submit to God's word, giving himself over to delusion and lies. A wicked man, he'd executed Apostle James, which produced praise from some of his subjects. This fueled the desire to kill another Christian leader, Apostle Peter, who was miraculously released from prison. But King David spoke of such people long before. Psalm 36:1-2 - I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. /In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. If only Agrippa had paid attention to this warning. Still, his death gave the Christians in Judea peace for a time.

Are you, like the emissaries, a flatterer? Or are you, like Agrippa, too conceited or numb to detect and hate your own sin? If so, this can make you liable to flatter or be flattered to death. There is nothing wrong with giving relevant praise and encouraging someone for what they have done. However, God detests the use of exaggerated praise to deceive and manipulate. He despises flattery and can see the truth of everything. Nobody can deceive or manipulate Him. And, He doesn't want any of us trying to do that to those He created. It is wrong, and you should not continue in this sin as someone who claims to love God and His Son.

If you flatter others or are someone whose ego demands flattery, stop it now. You may have gotten away with such ungodly behavior in the past, but today, you know better. God wants to help you break out of this pattern. He doesn't want you to suffer the fate coming for those who enjoy flattery. Those who desire to hear what their itching ears crave for instead of the truth. It is the same fiery fate that awaits satan. You, however, were created to enjoy the blessings of a relationship with God. Don't let flattery get in the way of that. Repent and be intentional in taking steps to stop flattering or receiving flattery. Ask God to help you. He will.

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. Venerate God

2. Listen & Check the Word

3. 1 Peter 2:17 (Respect, Love, Fear, Honor)

4. Enemies of the Cross

5. Complete Respect (1 Peter 2:18)

6. Are You Numb To Evil?

7. Don't Deceive or Lie To God

8. Unserious Christians

9. Be An Acts 6:3 Person

10. Lies: Cages & Consequences

11. Lies: Cages & Consequences 2

12. Do You Look Like Him?

13. Topic: Dear Christians

14. Topic: Hypocrites & Hypocrisy

15. Topic: How satan speaks

16. Topic: The Royal Law