A look at Daniel 6:7–8
There’s a moment in Book of Daniel 6:7–8 that feels almost harmless at first.
It sounds like admiration.
Respect.
Honor.
“All the officials have agreed…
that anyone who prays to any god or man except you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions.”
If you just skim it, it almost feels like loyalty.
Like they’re saying:
“You’re great. You deserve to be recognized. Everyone should see it.”
But that’s not what’s happening.
Not even close.
It Was Never About the King
This wasn’t about how they felt about the king.
It was about how they felt about Daniel.
They didn’t build this law out of loyalty—
they built it out of jealousy.
And they used flattery to get it done.
They told the king exactly what his pride wanted to hear.
They dressed manipulation up like admiration.
They made it sound noble… when it was actually strategic.
And the king?
He bought it.
His pride took over.
He believed the words.
He signed the decree.
And in doing so…
he became something he never intended to become:
Daniel’s executioner.
That’s What Flattery Does
Flattery doesn’t just sound good.
It works.
Every time you give into flattery—
every time you start believing you really are as great as they say—
you lower your guard.
And when your guard drops…
your judgment follows.
And somewhere along the way,
you end up betraying someone you never meant to hurt.
Not because you’re evil.
But because you were deceived.
Beware the Applause
There are moments you need to be careful—
not when people criticize you…
but when they praise you.
Beware when people are saying you are great.
Not all praise is pure.
I had an uncle who used to say,
“Flattery will get you everywhere in life.”
He wasn’t wrong.
And that’s the problem…
for is flattery is just deception with a smile.
It hides real intentions.
It masks motives.
It always has an agenda.
Beware when a compliment comes with a request.
“Hey—you’re amazing at this… could you just…”
Pay attention. That “just” usually costs more than it sounds.
Beware when a compliment pushes you toward a major change.
If praise is steering you somewhere you wouldn’t normally go—
pause.
That’s not affirmation.
That’s influence.
Flattery is a tool of manipulation.
The Bible doesn’t dance around this.
“A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” (Proverbs 29:5)
Flattery isn’t random.
It’s intentional.
It’s a trap.
Flattery never actually benefits you.
It feels good in the moment.
But long-term?
It weakens you.
It feeds your ego.
It lowers your awareness.
It makes you easier to control.
But the Bible tells us to encourage each other, right?
Right.
And we should.
But encouraging people and flattering people are not the same thing.
They may sound similar…
but they come from completely different places.
So what’s the difference?
Flattery is rooted in selfish motives.
It’s about what I can get from you.
Encouragement is rooted in love.
It’s about what you need to grow.
Flattery says:
“You’re amazing…” (so you’ll do something for me)
Encouragement says:
“You’ve got what it takes…” (so you can become who you’re meant to be)
“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” ( Ephesians 4:29)
Encouragement strengthens.
Flattery weakens.
Encouragement builds confidence rooted in truth.
Flattery builds ego rooted in illusion.
Encouragement helps people endure.
Flattery makes people vulnerable.
How You Check Your Own Heart
Because this cuts both ways.
Not just what you receive—
but what you give.
Before you say something that sounds like praise, ask:
Would I say this if I got nothing in return?
If the answer is no… it’s drifting toward flattery.
Am I trying to get on their good side?
That’s not encouragement.
That’s strategy.
What does this person actually need to hear to grow or stay strong?
Now you’re in the right place.
Now you’re building—not using.
Final Thought
The king thought he was being honored.
He thought he was being elevated.
But in reality…
he was being positioned.
And it cost him more than he ever imagined.
So the next time the praise gets loud—
don’t just listen to the words.
Listen for the motive.
Because not every voice that lifts you up
is trying to help you stand.
phillipbrande.com 