Proverbs 29:5
Proverbs 29:5 in Multiple Translations
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps.
A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.
Those who flatter their friends lay a net to trip them up.
A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a net for his steps.
A man taking a portion above his neighbour, Spreadeth a net for his own steps.
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet.
A man that speaketh to his friend with flattering and dissembling words, spreadeth a net for his feet.
Those who ◄flatter others/say nice things to others merely to cause them to feel good► are really setting a trap for them (OR, for themselves) [SYN].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 29:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גֶּ֭בֶר
מַחֲלִ֣יק
עַל
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
רֶ֝֗שֶׁת
פּוֹרֵ֥שׂ
עַל
פְּעָמָֽי/ו
גֶּ֭בֶר
geber
H1397
great man
N-ms
מַחֲלִ֣יק
châlaq
H2505
to divide
V-Hiphil
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
רֶ֝֗שֶׁת
resheth
H7568
net
N-fs
פּוֹרֵ֥שׂ
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּעָמָֽי/ו
paʻam
H6471
beat
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 29:5
גֶּ֭בֶר
geber
H1397
"great man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
מַחֲלִ֣יק
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
V-Hiphil
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
רֶ֝֗שֶׁת
resheth
H7568
"net"
N-fs
A net used for catching animals, but also a symbol of judgment or a trap. In the book of Ecclesiastes, it describes a net that can snare people. The tabernacle even had a network of bronze for its altar.
Definition: 1) net 1a) net 1a1) for catching 1a2) of judgment (fig) 1a3) of leaders leading people to sin 1a4) as a trap for man 1b) network (brazen-for altar of tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: net(-work). See also: Exodus 27:4; Psalms 57:7; Psalms 9:16.
פּוֹרֵ֥שׂ
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
V-Qal
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּעָמָֽי/ו
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:5
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices. 7The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 5:1 | “Hear this, O priests! Take heed, O house of Israel! Give ear, O royal house! For this judgment is against you because you have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor. |
| 2 | Job 17:5 | If a man denounces his friends for a price, the eyes of his children will fail. |
| 3 | Psalms 5:9 | For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. |
| 4 | Psalms 12:2 | They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. |
| 5 | Luke 20:20–21 | So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. |
| 6 | Proverbs 26:28 | A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin. |
| 7 | Romans 16:18 | 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. |
| 8 | Proverbs 26:24–25 | A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. |
| 9 | Proverbs 1:17 | How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it! |
| 10 | Proverbs 7:5 | that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words. |
Proverbs 29:5 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 29:5, is warning us about the dangers of flattery, which is when we give someone excessive and insincere praise, often to get something from them. When we flatter someone, we can actually be hurting them and ourselves, as it can lead to trouble and danger, similar to the warning in Proverbs 26:28. Instead of flattering others, we should focus on being honest and genuine, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25, and offer constructive and sincere compliments, as seen in Proverbs 15:23. By being truthful and kind, we can build strong and healthy relationships, as seen in Proverbs 27:6, which says that wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to flatter someone?
To flatter someone means to give them excessive and insincere praise, often to manipulate or influence them, as seen in Proverbs 29:5, which warns against this behavior, and as illustrated in the story of the false prophets in 1 Kings 22:1-40, who flattered King Ahab with false promises of victory.
Why is flattering someone considered wrong?
Flattering someone is considered wrong because it is a form of deception and can lead to harm, as stated in Proverbs 29:5, which says that a man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet, implying that it can lead to trouble and danger, similar to the warning in Proverbs 26:28, which says that a lying tongue hates those it wounds.
How can I avoid flattering others?
To avoid flattering others, focus on being honest and genuine in your interactions, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25, which says to speak the truth in love, and in Colossians 3:9-10, which says to put away deceit and speak truthfully, and instead, offer constructive and sincere compliments, as seen in Proverbs 15:23, which says that a timely word is good.
What are the consequences of flattering someone?
The consequences of flattering someone can be severe, as stated in Proverbs 29:5, which says that it can lead to trouble and danger, and as seen in the story of the false prophets in 1 Kings 22:1-40, who flattered King Ahab with false promises of victory, but ultimately led to his downfall, and as warned in Proverbs 26:28, which says that a lying tongue hates those it wounds, and in Psalm 101:5, which says that whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, God will destroy.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I flatter others, and how can I stop?
- How can I balance being kind and encouraging with being honest and truthful?
- What are some examples of flattery in my own life, and how have they affected my relationships?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of honesty and integrity in my interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:5
A man that flattereth his neighbour,.... That speaks smooth things to him gives him flattering titles, speaks fair to his face, highly commends him on one account or another: spreadeth a net for his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:5
A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet - (Prov.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:5
A man that flattereth his neighbour, that praiseth or applaudeth another in a sinful state or course, spreadeth a net for his feet; kills him under a pretence of kindness; is an occasion of his sin, and consequently of destruction, which possibly he may design to accomplish by that means.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:5
Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.Ver. 5. A man that flattereth his neighbour, &c.] A smooth boots, as the word signifies, a butterspoken man, or a divided man, for a flatterer’ s tongue is divided from his heart. Glaber.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:5
Verse 5. Spreadeth a net for his feet.] Beware of a flatterer; he does not flatter merely to please you, but to deceive you and profit himself.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:5
5. Flattereth — Literally, makes smooth. “Speaks smoothly.” — Stuart. “Speaking flatteringly about his neighbour.” — Miller. A flatterer may generally be suspected of some sinister design.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Letter on "The Praise of Men" by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby addresses the dangers of pride and the misguided praise of men, emphasizing that such flattery can lead to spiritual harm and distract from true communion with Go |
|
Under Sin by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of sin on the human mind and its ability to comprehend spiritual matters. He highlights the irony of highly intelligent individuals |
|
In My Flesh Shall I See God by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the significance of the Greek word 'taphos,' often used in the New Testament to refer to literal burial places but also figuratively by Paul to describe de |
|
The Importance of Our Speech by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a sou |
|
Major Ian Thomas - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and its ability to uphold all things in the universe. He highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel of Lu |
|
The Saved Jew Blesses His Merciful God by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing a conversation he had with someone about believers' baptism. He takes his time to explain every text in the New Testament that supp |
|
Day 156, Luke 20 by David Servant | David Servant discusses the spiritual insight of common folks in Jesus' time compared to the Jewish religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of genuine love for God and others |