Pro 26:28 | MHM | STEP | The Harm of Lies and Flattery This section explains that both slander and flattery are dangerous and wrong. Slander openly hurts people, while flattery secretly leads them to harm. Both types of lies come from a place of hate or selfishness, and both can destroy relationships and trust. v. 28 : There are two kinds of lies that are equally bad. The first is a slandering lie. A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it (Proverbs 26:28 ). This kind of lie hurts people by spreading false stories and insults. The person who tells these lies shows hate for the one they attack. The harm is clear, and people try to protect themselves from it. The second kind is a flattering lie. This type of lie is more hidden. It works to ruin people by making them believe false praise and compliments. People often do not see the danger and may trust the flatterer, which leads to their own downfall. A wise person knows that flattery can be more dangerous than open slander, because it is harder to notice and resist.

‏ Proverbs 26:28

The Harm of Lies and Flattery

This section explains that both slander and flattery are dangerous and wrong. Slander openly hurts people, while flattery secretly leads them to harm. Both types of lies come from a place of hate or selfishness, and both can destroy relationships and trust.

v. 28: There are two kinds of lies that are equally bad. The first is a slandering lie. A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it (Proverbs 26:28 ^a). This kind of lie hurts people by spreading false stories and insults. The person who tells these lies shows hate for the one they attack. The harm is clear, and people try to protect themselves from it. The second kind is a flattering lie. This type of lie is more hidden. It works to ruin people by making them believe false praise and compliments. People often do not see the danger and may trust the flatterer, which leads to their own downfall. A wise person knows that flattery can be more dangerous than open slander, because it is harder to notice and resist.