Jude 1:14-16
Grumblers Who Flatter
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14Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: “Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones
15to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.”
16These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Jude cites Enoch, the seventh from Adam, as a witness to the Lord’s coming judgment. The Lord comes with myriads of holy ones to judge and convict the ungodly. Wicked deeds and harsh words spoken against Him are both included.
The prophecy gives weight to the warning. God does not overlook corruption because its speakers are confident, popular or comfortable among His people. What they do and what they say will come under His judgment.
Jude then describes the intruders’ conduct. They grumble in discontent, follow their lusts, speak arrogantly and flatter people for advantage. The flattering speech may sound kind, but its stated purpose is personal gain. They use another person’s pleasure in praise to serve themselves.
Grumbling and boasting also reveal lives governed by desire. Jude is not condemning every honest expression of grief or need. He describes people whose dissatisfaction and self-importance accompany persistent ungodliness.
The warning reaches speech we may be tempted to excuse. Words spoken against God are not beneath His notice, and pleasant words can be corrupt when used to manipulate others. Truthful gratitude and honest requests belong to a different way of treating both God and our neighbors.
Questions
1 Whose prophecy does Jude cite?
AnswerHe cites Enoch, the seventh from Adam, who spoke of the Lord coming with myriads of holy ones to execute judgment.
2 What will the Lord bring under judgment?
AnswerHe will convict the ungodly concerning their wicked acts and the harsh words they have spoken against Him.
3 How does Jude describe the intruders’ speech and desires?
AnswerThey grumble, follow their lusts, speak arrogantly and flatter others for advantage. Their words serve the desires that govern them.
4 What makes their flattery different from honest encouragement?
AnswerThey use praise to gain something for themselves. Honest encouragement seeks another person’s good and does not disguise a selfish purpose.
What This Means for Us
When you praise someone, mean what you say. If you need a favor, ask honestly instead of using compliments to make the person feel obliged.
Bring complaints to God truthfully, but examine whether resentment has become your usual response to His gifts. Remember that He hears both the public words and the ones spoken when no one else is listening.
Prayer
Lord, You know our deeds and hear our words. Forgive the pride and selfishness we hide behind pleasant speech. Make our encouragement honest, our requests plain and our hearts grateful as we await Your righteous judgment. Amen.