In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imaam Ash-Shawkaanee [maay Allaah have mercy upon him] stated:

We often see a man holding a belief that agrees with the truth and what is correct, but when he speaks to someone who disagrees with him – one who inclines to something of the innovations in religious affairs, not to mention one of the people of leadership and one of those in possession of something of the worldly life, and not to mention one of the kings, he agrees with him, strengthen him, supports and aids him against others. The least in such situations is that he would conceal what he believes is the truth, and despises – in presence of a person who from whom it is neither possible to receive harm nor is he is able to benefit from him – what has become clear to him is the right thing, so what about someone from whom harm and benefit is possible? This – in reality – is from that which is tantamount to giving preference to the worldly things and the present life of this world over the religion and the Hereafter. If he looked closely and pondered on what has happened to him, he would have known that his inclination to the desires of a man, two men, three or more – amongst those he compliments in that gathering, conceals the truth in order to be in agreement with them and in order to attract their affection, get hold of what they possess and escape from being alienated by them – is a shortcoming in (standing for the) truth and tantamount to exalting falsehood. Were it not that these people are greater in his sight than the Lord, he would not have inclined to their desires and left what he knows is what Allah wants and demands of His servants.

[An Excerpt from Adab At-talab Wa Muntahaa al-Adaab. pages 94-95. slightly paraphrased]