One of the methods Satan uses to deceive is flattery. Are there bible examples or SOP examples of Bible characters using flattery?
I can think of Absolom.
2 Samuel 15:2-6 KJV
[2] And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. [3] And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. [4] Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! [5] And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. [6] And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
There are a number of examples of people and Satan trying flattery on Jesus while he was living here on earth.
For example, one person called him "Good Master" even tho he didn't mean it.
Satan also did a form a flattery when he told Jesus he was great, and if he just bowed down, he would give him rulership of this world. Satan also flattered Jesus with the idea that he didn't have to go thru all this suffering, because he did nothing wrong.
I'm pretty sure Ellen White writes somewhere that Satan uses flattery and threats to get his way.
Since I don't have my old computer anymore, it is difficult to do a quick search on Ellen White writings now.....
Satan beguiles men now as he beguiled Eve in Eden by flattery, by kindling a desire to obtain forbidden knowledge, by exciting ambition for self-exaltation. It was cherishing these evils that caused his fall, and through them he aims to compass the ruin of men. "Ye shall be as gods," he declares, "knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:5. Spiritualism teaches "that man is the creature of progression; that it is his destiny from his birth to progress, even to eternity, toward the Godhead." And again: "Each mind will judge itself and not another." "The judgment will be right, because it is the judgment of self ... The throne is within you." Said a spiritualistic teacher, as the "spiritual consciousness" awoke within him: "My fellow men, all were unfallen demigods." And another declares: "Any just and perfect being is Christ." {GC 554.1}
God could employ only such means as were consistent with truth and righteousness. Satan could use what God could not -- flattery and deceit. He had sought to falsify the word of God and had misrepresented His plan of government, claiming that God was not just in imposing laws upon the angels; that in requiring submission and obedience from His creatures, He was seeking merely the exaltation of Himself. It was therefore necessary to demonstrate before the inhabitants of heaven, and of all the worlds, that God's government is just, His law perfect. Satan had made it appear that he himself was seeking to promote the good of the universe. The true character of the usurper and his real object must be understood by all. He must have time to manifest himself by his wicked works. {PP 42.1}
Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden: "Ye shall not surely die." "In the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:4, 5. Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time. Says the prophet: "I saw three unclean spirits like frogs; ... they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Revelation 16:13, 14. Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion. The people are fast being lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God. {GC 561.2}
I'm looking for specific words that Satan or his followers use to show flattery.
Satan flattered Jesus in the wilderness by calling Him Great...
Satan assailed Christ with his strongest temptations in the wilderness. Jesus was forty days tempted of the Devil. "And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the Devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread." Shall the Son of God, the world's Redeemer, take up with the doubt, and prove to the apostate that he is indeed the Son of God, the Prince of heaven? Satan sought to engage him in controversy; but should he concede to the demands of the rebel, nothing for the good of man or the glory of God would be gained. Jesus did not produce any evidence or bring forth any arguments. He did not repeat to Satan that which the rebel already knew of his exalted position as the loved Commander of heaven, who was worshiped and adored by the angelic hosts. What evidence would avail in the case before him? Jesus knew that all evidence would be worthless to break the power of rebellion in Satan's heart. Jesus dealt with the tempter in the way in which all his followers are to deal with him through all time. {RH, April 24, 1894 par. 1}
