Proverbs 29:5

5 Those who give false praise to their neighbors are setting a trap for them.

Proverbs 29:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 29:5

A man that flattereth his neighbour
That speaks smooth things to him gives him flattering titles, speaks fair to his face, highly commends him on one account or another: spreadeth a net for his feet;
has an idle design upon him, and therefore should be guarded against; his view is to draw him into a snare and make a prey of him; he attacks him on his weak side, and hopes to make some advantage of it to himself; wherefore flatterers should be avoided as pernicious persons; or he spreads a net for his own feet, and is taken in the snare which he had laid for his neighbour; or falls into the pit he dug for him, as Gersom observes; see ( Psalms 140:5 ) ( Hosea 5:1 ) .

Proverbs 29:5 In-Context

3 Those who love wisdom make their parents happy, but friends of prostitutes waste their money.

4 If a king is fair, he makes his country strong, but if he takes gifts dishonestly, he tears his country down.

5 Those who give false praise to their neighbors are setting a trap for them.

6 Evil people are trapped by their own sin, but good people can sing and be happy.

7 Good people care about justice for the poor, but the wicked are not concerned.