Proverbs 29:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

NIV: Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.

NASB: A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.

CSB: A person who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

NLT: To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.

KJV: A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

NKJV: A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.

"Flattery" refers to undue compliments or excessive praise. Being flattered presents temptation, whether the flatterer is sincere or not. A dishonest flatterer, of course, is manipulating others (Proverbs 6:24; 26:28) by lying (Proverbs 6:16–19). Smooth words set a trap for the object of flattery. An example of this is sly, left-handed Ehud, who greeted the King of Moab with favorable words, then gruesomely assassinated the unsuspecting king (Judges 3:15–23).

However, most interpreters read this as a warning that those who flatter set a trap for themselves. This is supported by the opening half of the next proverb (Proverbs 29:6), which speaks of being tangled in one's own sins. This verse parallels a famous quote from author Walter Scott, who said, "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Here, the flatterer is spreading out a net that will eventually cause them to trip. Since flattery is lying, the flatterer risks being caught in his dishonesty. It may come out that they've told different things to different people. Or they may be forced to admit their praise was deceptive. Lies contradict truth, and they eventually contradict each other.

Believers are summoned to recognize that lying is a work of the flesh that contradicts a life led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Paul commands the Colossians, "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices" (Colossians 3:9).

Proverbs 29:1–11 begins with an especially dire warning. Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) contrasts righteous government to wicked rulers. The passage also cautions against deception and points out that righteousness is shown in being charitable to the poor. Arguing with fools is pointless, but there is great value in keeping one's temper in check.

Much of this passage refers to negative consequences of unwise attitudes or behavior: stubbornness leads to brokenness. Lack of self-control brings shame. Ignorant, ungodly rulers spread sin and corruption. Pride leads to humiliation. Most of these statements follow the two-part pattern established elsewhere in the book of Proverbs. The final lesson summarizes the deep difference between those who are godly and those who pursue their own desires.

This concludes the collection of Solomon's proverbs which King Hezekiah's men collected (Proverbs 25:1). Like previous passages, chapter 29 contrasts wisdom and folly, the benefits of heeding God's law and the devastating consequences of disobeying it, and the blessings of righteousness compared to the curses of sin.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.