Bible Verses About Compliments and Encouraging Words

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

"Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad."

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."

"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"

"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

What does the Bible say about compliments and praise?

Words have incredible power to build up or tear down. The Bible encourages believers to use their speech to encourage, affirm, and bless others. Key King James Version passages include Proverbs 16:24, Ephesians 4:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:11. This page collects 10 KJV verses about compliments and praise, each quoted in full.

Does the Bible encourage complimenting others?

Yes. While Scripture condemns flattery (insincere praise), it strongly encourages genuine encouragement and edifying speech (Ephesians 4:29). Speaking kind, truthful words is a form of ministry.

What is the difference between flattery and a genuine compliment?

Flattery is insincere praise designed to manipulate. A genuine compliment is a truthful, heartfelt affirmation meant to encourage. The Bible condemns the former and celebrates the latter.