Chrēstologia combines 'useful/pleasant' (chrēstos) with 'word' (logos) to mean smooth or flattering speech, fine-sounding words that deceive. Paul warns the Romans to 'watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.' The compound term captures the dangerous attractiveness of false teaching: it sounds good, seems reasonable, appeals to the ear, but leads astray from truth. Pleasant words can mask poisonous doctrine.