Sefer HaMiddot, Flattery, Part I/ספר המדות·חנפה·חלק ראשון

1Flattery brings a person to use vulgar language. The inverse is also true, [as proper language keeps one from flattery].

2Flattery causes a person’s wife to become a widow and his children to become orphans, and yet no one will show them any mercy.

3Flattery leads to unfounded fear.

4A person who falls while walking in public clearly is guilty of flattery.

5Flattery brings to heartache.

6A person who places his trust in others will turn to flattery.

7Whoever guards against flattery finds salvation.

8Flattering the wicked is permissible in this world.

9Flattery arouses harsh judgment.

10It also causes a person’s prayers to be rejected, and everyone finds him repugnant.