Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, compliments can be understood as expressions of praise, admiration, or respect towards others. While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "compliments," it provides numerous examples and teachings that reflect the spirit of offering genuine praise and encouragement.
Biblical Examples of Compliments1.
Boaz to Ruth: In the Book of Ruth, Boaz offers a compliment to Ruth for her loyalty and kindness. He says, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully reported to me—how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people you did not know before" (
Ruth 2:11). Boaz's words acknowledge Ruth's virtuous character and her sacrificial love.
2.
The Virtuous Woman:
Proverbs 31 provides a detailed description of a virtuous woman, highlighting her qualities and accomplishments. The passage concludes with a compliment from her family: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well" (
Proverbs 31:28). This acknowledgment serves as a testament to her diligence and integrity.
3.
Jesus to Nathanael: In the New Testament, Jesus offers a compliment to Nathanael, saying, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit" (
John 1:47). Jesus recognizes Nathanael's sincerity and honesty, affirming his character.
The Role of Compliments in Christian LifeCompliments, when given sincerely, can serve as a powerful tool for encouragement and edification within the Christian community. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of building one another up in love. In
Ephesians 4:29, he instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen" . Compliments, as a form of positive speech, align with this directive by fostering an environment of mutual respect and support.
Warnings Against FlatteryWhile the Bible encourages genuine praise, it also warns against flattery, which is insincere or excessive praise often used for selfish gain.
Proverbs 26:28 cautions, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin" . Flattery is deceitful and can lead to destructive outcomes, contrasting with the constructive nature of true compliments.
The Heart Behind ComplimentsThe sincerity of a compliment is rooted in the heart of the giver. Jesus teaches that "out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" (
Matthew 12:34). Therefore, believers are encouraged to cultivate hearts that reflect Christ-like love and humility, ensuring that their words are genuine and uplifting.
Encouragement as a Spiritual GiftThe New Testament identifies encouragement as a spiritual gift. In
Romans 12:6-8, Paul lists encouragement among the gifts given by the Spirit, urging those who possess it to use it diligently. Compliments, as a form of encouragement, can be a manifestation of this gift, serving to strengthen and inspire others in their faith journey.
In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention "compliments," it provides a framework for understanding their value and proper use. Through examples, teachings, and warnings, Scripture guides believers in offering sincere praise that honors God and edifies others.
Strong's Hebrew
5273a. naim -- pleasant, delightful... Word Origin from naem Definition pleasant, delightful NASB Word Usage
compliments*
(1), lovely (1), pleasant (7), pleasures (2). 5273, 5273a. naim. 5273b .
...1697. dabar -- speech, word
... 2), Chronicles (3), Chronicles* (38), claims (1), command (11), commandment (1),
commandments (1), Commandments (2), commands (1),compliments* (1), concerned...
Library
AugustinCompliments victor's Talents and Diligence.
... Book III. Chapter 21."AugustinCompliments Victor's Talents and Diligence.
It would take me too long a time to handle and discuss...
A New Year's Benediction
... The jet-black setting is this""After that ye have suffered awhile." Worldlycompliments
are of little worth; for as Chesterfield observes, "They cost nothing...
The Prosphoneticus to the Emperor.
... VI., col.1047 et seqq.) [This address begins with manycompliments to the
Emperor, especially for his zeal for the true faith.]....
You Allude to vigilantius. What Dream this is that You have...
... Yet in these last the pope Anastasius pays you suchcompliments that, when you read
them, you will be more inclined to set to work to defend yourself than to...
Desire to Please.
... them for their beautiful or handsome appearance puts them beside themselves so far
as to make them forget to consider whether suchcompliments are authorized...
The Bishop's Burthen
... The most austere cotemporaries of Augustin, and Augustin himself, outdid them
by a long way in the art and in the abuse ofcompliments....
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... Grace, Your Lordship, Your Honour, &c. nor use those flattering words,
commonly called [Compliments.]. II. That it is not lawful...
The New Commandment
... Because of this veil I receive manycompliments from the novices"compliments without
flattery, for they really mean what they say; and they do not inspire me...
the New Commandment
... Because of this veil I receive manycompliments from the novices"compliments without
flattery, for they really mean what they say; and they do not inspire me...
The First Sermon Preached in Goobbe.
... Captain Dobbs. On finding out their mistake, they politely paid me the
compliments intended for their local governor. They accompanied...
Thesaurus
Compliments (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Compliments (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 23:8 The food which
you have taken will come up again, and your pleasing words will be wasted.
...Comply (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To be ceremoniously courteous; to make one'scompliments. 3. (vi) To fulfill;
to accomplish. 4. (vi) To enfold; to embrace. Multi-Version Concordance...
Greet (46 Occurrences)
... To address with salutations or expressions of kind wishes; to salute; to hail; to
welcome; to accost with friendship; to pay respects orcompliments to, either...
Fish (66 Occurrences)
... drawing a net. 10. (vi) To seek to obtain by artifice, or indirectly to seek
to draw forth; as, to fish forcompliments. 11. (vt) To...
Flattery (11 Occurrences)
... (n.) The act or practice of flattering; the act of pleasing by artful commendation
orcompliments; adulation; false, insincere, or excessive praise....
Commend (22 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To mention by way of courtesy, implying remembrance and good will. 5.
(n.) Commendation; praise. 6. (n.)Compliments; greetings. Int....
Complimentary (2 Occurrences)
Commendation (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which is the ground of approbation or praise. 3. (n.) A message of
affection or respect;compliments; greeting. Multi-Version Concordance...
Salutation (6 Occurrences)
... The work on which the disciples were sent forth was one of urgency, which left no
time for emptycompliments and prolonged greetings (Luke 10:4)....
Surfeit (1 Occurrence)
... 7. (vt) To fill to satiety and disgust; to cloy; as, he surfeits us with
compliments. Multi-Version Concordance Surfeit (1 Occurrence)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about flattery? | GotQuestions.orgCatholic Questions - questions from Catholics and about Catholicism | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the power of words? | GotQuestions.orgCompliments: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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