Topical Encyclopedia
Blandishments refer to flattering or persuasive speech and actions intended to coax or influence someone into doing something. In the context of the Bible, blandishments are often associated with deceit and manipulation, contrasting with the virtues of honesty and integrity that Scripture upholds.
Biblical References and ContextWhile the term "blandishments" itself does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is evident throughout Scripture. The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of deceitful speech and the seductive nature of flattering words.
Proverbs and Wisdom LiteratureThe Book of Proverbs, known for its practical wisdom, addresses the perils of flattering speech.
Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin." Here, the connection between flattery and destruction is made clear, warning believers to be wary of those who use smooth words for selfish gain.
Proverbs 29:5 further cautions, "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet." This imagery suggests that flattery can be a trap, ensnaring both the one who speaks it and the one who receives it.
New Testament WarningsIn the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently warns against deceitful speech within the church. In
Romans 16:18 , Paul writes, "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive." This passage highlights the danger of being led astray by those who use charming words to serve their own interests rather than the truth of the Gospel.
Paul's epistles often emphasize the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in speech. In
1 Thessalonians 2:5 , he reminds the Thessalonian church, "As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!" This statement underscores the apostolic commitment to integrity and the rejection of manipulative speech.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsFrom a biblical perspective, blandishments are not merely a social faux pas but a moral and spiritual issue. They are often associated with the sinful nature of humanity, which seeks to manipulate and control others for personal advantage. The Bible calls believers to a higher standard, one that reflects the character of God, who is truth and love.
The use of blandishments is contrary to the biblical call for honesty and transparency.
Ephesians 4:25 exhorts, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This call to truthfulness is foundational to Christian ethics and community life.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not use the term "blandishments," the concept is woven throughout its teachings on speech and integrity. Believers are encouraged to discern the motives behind flattering words and to cultivate a spirit of truthfulness and sincerity in all their interactions.
Library
How they are to be Admonished who Lament Sins of Deed, and those...
... For commonly the crafty foe, when he sees the soul which he trips up by sin to be
afflicted for its fall, seduces it by theblandishments of baneful security....
Whether There Can be Mortal Sin in Touches and Kisses?
... upbringing. But these are not affected by kisses and touches orblandishments.
Therefore there is no mortal sin in these. Objection...
Remarks on Some of the "Dangers and Wounds" Referred to in the...
... a Gentile she will carry out Gentile practices,"personal attractiveness, dressing
of the head, worldly [469] elegancies, baserblandishments, the very...
Prepositional Phrases
... birds of prey. bit of portraiture. bitterness of anguish. blackness of spirit.
blandishments of society. blast of adversity. blaze of fury. blend of dignity....
Enduring to the End
... there are multitudes of the softer temptations to turn the head and trip the feet
of the youthful herald of the cross; and when theblandishments of early...
Womanhood of the Byzantine Decadence
... But her love for Irene was greater than the fear of punishment, and, in spite of
the censure and theblandishments of her parent, she could never reconcile...
The Example Set us by the Martyrs, whom no Force could Hinder from...
... does not at least earnestly desire to follow those whom no force could deter from
defending the faith of their ancestors, no threats, noblandishments, not life...
Song of Songs
... the poem celebrates the fidelity of a peasant maid who had been captured and brought
to Solomon's harem, but who steadily resisted hisblandishments and was...
The Sixth Petition Corresponds as we have Observed to the Promise...
... which by their glare, and the semblance of good which they present, generally dazzle
the eyes of men, and so entice by theirblandishments, that, caught by...
But Now, what it is Necessary for Me to Say on the Subject of The....
... may be expressed in the words of the Saviour to those who swallow a camel, and wear
the outward garb of the hypocrite, begirt withblandishments and flatteries...
Thesaurus
Blandishments (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Blandishments (3 Occurrences). Daniel 11:21 And
in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom
...Flatter (5 Occurrences)
... etc. 4. (vt) To treat with praise orblandishments; to gratify or attempt
to gratify the self-love or vanity of, esp. by artful...
Blandishment (1 Occurrence)
Blanket (1 Occurrence)
Display (30 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall be corrupt by
blandishments; but the people that know their God shall show strength, and prevail...
Songs (100 Occurrences)
... The fidelity of the Shulammite to her shepherd lover, notwithstanding theblandishments
of the wealthy and gifted king, stands as a rebuke to the notion that...
Song (207 Occurrences)
... The fidelity of the Shulammite to her shepherd lover, notwithstanding theblandishments
of the wealthy and gifted king, stands as a rebuke to the notion that...
Samson (37 Occurrences)
... man. Passion ruled. He could not resist theblandishments of women. In short,
he was an overgrown schoolboy, without self-mastery....
Secure (78 Occurrences)
... person, upon whom had not been conferred the majesty of the kingdom; but he shall
come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom byblandishments....
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