Proverbs 29:5 kjv

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

Proverbs 29:5 nkjv

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

Proverbs 29:5 niv

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

Proverbs 29:5 esv

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

Proverbs 29:5 nlt

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

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 5 Meaning

Proverbs 29:5 states that a person who uses flattery toward his neighbor is effectively laying a hidden trap for them. It describes flattery as a deceptive and manipulative act designed to ensnare or bring harm to the one being flattered, rather than offering genuine affirmation. The smoother the words, the more subtle and dangerous the snare.

Proverbs 29 5 Context

Proverbs chapter 29 largely focuses on the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, exploring various aspects of righteous governance, correction, pride, humility, and the consequences of different forms of conduct within a community. Verse 5 fits into this broader theme by highlighting a specific deceptive practice (flattery) and exposing its dangerous intent, contributing to the book's overarching instruction on how to live wisely and discern character. Historically, in ancient Israel and the wider Near East, social interactions often involved elaborate verbal expressions. Wisdom literature frequently cautioned against insincere speech, recognizing its potential for harm in personal and communal relationships.

Proverbs 29 5 Word analysis

• A man (אִישׁ - Ish): Refers to any person, not limited to a male individual, emphasizing that this proverb applies universally to human behavior. It denotes an individual initiating the action.
• who flatters (מַחֲלִיק - machaliq): This Hebrew word is a Hiphil participle derived from חָלַק (halaq), which means "to be smooth," "to make smooth," or "to flatter/deceive." It signifies a deliberate action of smoothing over unpleasant truths or speaking deceptively pleasant words. The connotation is one of slipperiness or insincerity, aimed at manipulation.
• his neighbor (עַל־רֵעֵהוּ - al-ree'ehu): "His neighbor" refers to one's fellow man, associate, or friend. It highlights the perfidious nature of flattery—it's directed towards someone with whom one has a social relationship, making the betrayal more insidious.
• spreads (פְּרַשׂ - paras): Qal perfect verb, meaning "to stretch out" or "to spread out." It depicts the intentional action of laying something out, like a hunter preparing a snare. This verb choice underscores the deliberate and calculated nature of the flatterer's actions.
• a net (רֶשֶׁת - reshet): This term directly translates to "net" or "trap." It's a metaphor drawn from hunting, implying something hidden, designed to catch or entangle its prey unawares. The net is often invisible or camouflaged.
• for his feet (לְרַגְלָיו - l'raglav): Indicates the target of the trap – the neighbor's movement or stability. The purpose is to trip, stumble, or ensnare the person, making them fall or become trapped in a difficult situation. This phrase completes the hunting metaphor, specifying the point of entrapment.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• A man who flatters his neighbor: This phrase establishes the agent and the target of the action. It's a relationship of apparent friendship or acquaintance, making the subsequent action all the more treacherous. The "flattery" is the instrument of deception within this relationship.
• spreads a net for his feet: This vividly illustrates the consequence and intent of flattery. It’s not just idle words, but a purposeful, manipulative act. The "net" signifies deception leading to disadvantage or downfall, while "for his feet" indicates the victim is unwittingly walking into a carefully laid snare, potentially leading to a moral or financial fall. The metaphor emphasizes subtlety and the suddenness of entrapment.

Proverbs 29 5 Bonus section

The wisdom of this proverb reminds believers to be discerning about words, especially those that excessively glorify or pacify. True praise is honest and given with good intention (Prov 27:6 - "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy."). Flattery, however, aims to create a false sense of security or inflate pride, making one less guarded. It is a tool frequently employed by those with selfish or ungodly motives, including false teachers who seek to lead others astray for their own advantage (e.g., those who "tickle itching ears"). The danger is not merely external manipulation but also the internal blindness it can induce in the one being flattered, as their own pride can cause them to fall directly into the snare.

Proverbs 29 5 Commentary

Proverbs 29:5 cuts through the veneer of flattering words to expose their true, insidious intent. Flattery, often confused with genuine praise or admiration, is inherently manipulative. It appeals to one's ego or desires, subtly leading them into a position where they can be exploited or tripped up. Unlike constructive criticism which may sting but ultimately helps, flattery weakens discernment by building up pride, making the recipient vulnerable to the flatterer's ulterior motives, whether for personal gain, exploitation, or causing harm. The proverb thus warns not only against being a flatterer but also against being easily swayed by such "smooth words," encouraging a pursuit of truthfulness in all interactions. A simple practical example is when someone over-praises a person's ideas or appearance just to gain a promotion or extract information.