Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Recompense.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Provide.
Romans 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
1 Corinthians 6:6,7 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers…
1 Corinthians 13:4,5 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, …
Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
This phrase encourages believers to live thoughtfully and with integrity, ensuring their actions are above reproach. The Greek term for "carefully consider" implies a deliberate and thoughtful approach to one's conduct. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching of living wisely and being a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16). The phrase "in the eyes of everybody" suggests a universal standard of morality that transcends cultural and societal norms, pointing to the inherent understanding of right and wrong that God has placed in every human heart (Romans 2:14-15). This call to consider what is right is not about seeking human approval but about living in a way that reflects God's righteousness and draws others to Him.
Romans 12:17a: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.”
• The command is absolute—“anyone” leaves no loopholes. Jesus sets the same bar in Matthew 5:38-39, urging His followers to turn the other cheek rather than strike back.
• Retaliation belongs to our old nature; restraint reveals the new nature we received in Christ (Galatians 2:20).
• God forbids vengeance because He reserves justice for Himself (Romans 12:19). Refusing to repay evil is an act of faith, trusting that the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25).
• When we refuse retaliation we mirror the Savior, “who when He was maligned, He did not retaliate” (1 Peter 2:23).
• Practically this means:
– No cutting words when you are insulted (Ephesians 4:29).
– No plotting payback when wronged (Proverbs 20:22: “Do not say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’ Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.”).
– Choosing to bless instead: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).
Romans 12:17b: “Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.”
• “Carefully consider” calls for deliberate thought, not knee-jerk reaction. We weigh our responses prayerfully and thoughtfully (James 1:19).
• “What is right” speaks of actions that are objectively honorable. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 8:21: “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.”
• While ultimate allegiance is to God (Acts 5:29), believers seek to live so uprightly that even critics are forced to acknowledge it (1 Peter 2:12).
• Practical applications:
– Before speaking or acting, ask, “Will this honor Christ and uphold a credible witness?” (Colossians 4:5-6).
– Keep financial dealings transparent; Paul handled church funds openly for this very reason (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).
– Show courtesy and respect to authorities and neighbors alike (Titus 3:1-2; Romans 13:7).
– Let your light shine through tangible good works so others “may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
God forbids retaliation and calls believers to a higher road: refuse payback and instead pursue universally recognized goodness. Trusting the Lord to settle accounts frees us to respond with grace, maintain a blameless testimony, and reflect Christ before a watching world.
(17) Provide things honest . . .--Let your purposes be such that all men shall recognise their complete integrity. Do not engage in enterprises of a doubtful character, that might bring not only yourselves but the Christian body into ill repute. (Comp. Matthew 5:14-16; 2Corinthians 8:21.)