What Does Proverbs 29:5 Mean in the King James?
A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The Hebrew word for “flattereth” means “makes smooth”: the words that make a path feel easy can hide the net waiting for your feet.
THE MEANING
The verse names a present danger: praise can make a path feel safe while concealing a net for the next step. Smooth words can carry a hidden aim that turns trust into exposure.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
It undoes the belief that praise proves goodwill: words that make you feel valued can still be arranging your vulnerability.
THE ROOT
מַחֲלִיק
maḥălîq
GROWS FROM
חלק
ḥ-l-q
To be smooth or to make smooth.
“flattereth” in this verse is maḥălîq. English presents flattery as a social act; the Hebrew verb also carries the image of making something smooth. The same root describes “smooth things” in Isaiah 30:10 and a “smooth mouth” in Proverbs 26:28, linking polished speech with what it can conceal.
ALSO GROWS
ḥălāqôt: Smooth things
חֲלָקוֹת
Isaiah 30:10 uses this word for speech preferred over what is right, showing how smooth words can cover over truth.
peh ḥālāq: A smooth mouth
פֶּה חָלָק
Proverbs 26:28 says a smooth mouth works ruin, echoing how the verse’s flattering speech lays a net.
THE PATTERN
Speech that conceals its aim can make a harmful path feel safe.
They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:THE THREAD
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:“Smooth things” (חֲלָקוֹת, ḥălāqôt) shares the root חָלַק (ḥālaq, “to be smooth or make smooth”) with “flattereth” here. The shared root reveals how speech can be polished until deception feels easy to receive.
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