Proverbs 29:5 Meaning and Explanation
“A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Flattery is a trap disguised as friendship.
The Context of Proverbs 29:5
Proverbs on deceptive speech: flattery conceals malice and catches the unwary.
What Does Proverbs 29:5 Mean?
Flattery is speech crafted to please rather than to speak truth. The flatterer smiles and praises, seeming like a friend, but his words are a snare. He wants something—approval, access, advantage—and uses false praise as bait.
The target of flattery is caught off guard: the kind words feel good, and by the time he realizes the trap, his judgment is already compromised. He may have revealed secrets, made bad decisions, or lost his guard. Proverbs warns that this 'net' is most dangerous when it looks least like a threat.
Proverbs 29:5 in the Original Language
chalaq (חלק), 'to divide' or 'to be smooth'—to speak smoothly, implying insincerity or deceptive gentleness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 29:5
What does Proverbs 29:5 mean?
Flattery is a trap disguised as friendship.
What is the context of Proverbs 29:5?
Proverbs on deceptive speech: flattery conceals malice and catches the unwary.