What is the difference between complimenting and flattering?

Psalm 12:2-4Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. May the Lord cut off their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues. They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content. Our lips are our own—who can stop us?”

Proverbs 28:23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

Song of Solomon 1:9-11You are as exciting, my darling, as a mare among Pharaoh’s stallions. How lovely are your cheeks; your earrings set them afire! How lovely is your neck, enhanced by a string of jewels. We will make for you earrings of gold and beads of silver.

Matthew 12:35“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.”

The difference between complimenting and flattering is found in the heart motivation behind the words. A compliment is all about the other person, designed to build them up. Flattery is all about you, a scheme to get what you want. Flattery is often revealed by its exaggerated character, but in fact, the very same words could be either, depending on the context of the relationship.