It is unlawful to receive the eulogies of heretics, for they are rather ἀλογίαι [i.e., follies], than eulogies.
A eulogy is literally a blessing. Good words are pronounced over someone as a sign of respect whether real or feigned. Commonly, the word itself is most often used in the context of a funeral as a way of honoring the dead, and because of that we generally use the synonymous word praise for other suitable occasions. In either case the praise of a heretic was not to be accepted. The false teacher is akin to what David wrote about in Psalm 12:2-4 when he said:
In the end, the flatterer is wanting to destroy. Such is the work of the heretic who would prefer to promote his own understanding of scripture and spirituality rather than the truth. To accept his praise is to accept his folly.
A eulogy is literally a blessing. Good words are pronounced over someone as a sign of respect whether real or feigned. Commonly, the word itself is most often used in the context of a funeral as a way of honoring the dead, and because of that we generally use the synonymous word praise for other suitable occasions. In either case the praise of a heretic was not to be accepted. The false teacher is akin to what David wrote about in Psalm 12:2-4 when he said:
| Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; | |
| with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. | |
| May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, | |
| the tongue that makes great boasts, | |
| those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, | |
| our lips are with us; who is master over us?” | |
In the end, the flatterer is wanting to destroy. Such is the work of the heretic who would prefer to promote his own understanding of scripture and spirituality rather than the truth. To accept his praise is to accept his folly.
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