Romans 12:17-18
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The phrase "give thought to do what is honorable" isn't just about having good intentions; it's about actively planning and preparing for righteous conduct. This proactive approach ensures our actions are consistently "beautiful" or "comely" not just in our own eyes, but demonstrably so before everyone.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is instructing believers on how to live out their faith in practical, everyday ways, moving from worship and spiritual gifts to ethical conduct within the community and towards outsiders. This verse immediately follows his exhortation to love sincerely and hate evil, setting the stage for how that love should manifest even when faced with harm. The passage continues by urging believers to live peaceably and to entrust vengeance to God, emphasizing that their response to wrongdoing should reflect God's character.
Ever feel the urge to strike back when someone wrongs you? This verse tackles that raw impulse head-on.
The call to 'repay no one evil for evil' is one of the most challenging teachings in Christianity. It's not about passivity or letting people walk all over you, but about refusing to let their sin dictate your response.
The Cycle of Retaliation
When we repay evil with evil, we perpetuate a destructive cycle. It escalates conflict, damages relationships, and ultimately dishonors God. Jesus Himself didn't retaliate when he was mistreated; instead, he entrusted himself to God (1 Peter 2:23). This principle requires immense self-control and a deep reliance on God's strength.
Beyond just avoiding wrong, Paul calls us to a proactive pursuit of what's right and admirable.
The second part of the verse, 'give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all,' isn't about seeking human approval. Instead, it’s about living with intentional integrity, where your conduct is so consistently good and right that it earns respect, even from those who might disagree with you.
Living with Foresight
The word translated 'give thought' (or 'provide' in some older translations) carries a sense of planning and careful consideration. It means making a conscious decision before a situation arises to act honorably. This isn't about being perfectly popular, but about conducting yourself in a way that reflects God's character and leaves no room for just criticism. It's about adorning the Gospel through your actions.
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Understand the original words
kakos · Greek Adjective
Harmful actions or character; that which is morally corrupt and contrary to the nature and will of God.
kalos · Greek Adjective
That which is morally good, virtuous, or excellent in the eyes of God and humanity; actions that reflect Christian integrity.
eirēneuō · Greek Verb
The state of tranquility, reconciliation, and absence of conflict, especially in relationships; a central fruit of the Spirit.
This passage directly echoes the first part of Romans 12:17, with Jesus teaching his followers not to retaliate when wronged, establishing a foundational principle for Christian conduct.
1 Peter 3:9This verse parallels Romans 12:17 by commanding believers not to repay evil for evil but instead to bless, highlighting the positive aspect of responding to injury with good will.
Proverbs 3:4The phrase 'doing what is honorable in the sight of all' has roots in Proverbs, showing that this call for integrity and good reputation before others is a theme present in wisdom literature as well.
2 Corinthians 8:21This passage mentions providing 'honestly' for things not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men, reinforcing the importance of integrity and ethical conduct that is transparent and commendable to others.
Philippians 4:8While Romans 12:17 focuses on outward conduct towards others, Philippians 4:8 speaks to the inward mindset, encouraging believers to focus on what is true, honorable, and commendable, which naturally leads to honorable actions before all.
ellicottRomans 12:17: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."
(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 .)
vincentRomans 12:17: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."
Provide (προνοούμενοι)The A.V. uses provide in its earlier and more literal meaning of taking thought in advance. This has been mostly merged in the later meaning of furnish, so that the translation conveys the sense of providing honestly for ourselves and our families. Better, as Rev., take thought for. The citation is from Proverbs 3:4, and varies from both Hebrew and Septuagint. Hebrew: And th…
The phrase "give thought to do what is honorable" isn't just about having good intentions; it's about actively planning and preparing for righteous conduct. This proactive approach ensures our actions are consistently "beautiful" or "comely" not just in our own eyes, but demonstrably so before everyone.
Paul is instructing believers on how to live out their faith in practical, everyday ways, moving from worship and spiritual gifts to ethical conduct within the community and towards outsiders. This verse immediately follows his exhortation to love sincerely and hate evil, setting the stage for how that love should manifest even when faced with harm. The passage continues by urging believers to live peaceably and to entrust vengeance to God, emphasizing that their response to wrongdoing should reflect God's character.
Paul is instructing believers on how to live out their faith in practical, everyday ways, moving from worship and spiritual gifts to ethical conduct within the community and towards outsiders. This verse immediately follows his exhortation to love sincerely and hate evil, setting the stage for how that love should manifest even when faced with harm. The passage continues by urging believers to live peaceably and to entrust vengeance to God, emphasizing that their response to wrongdoing should reflect God's character.
"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." — The phrase "give thought to do what is honorable" isn't just about having good intentions; it's about actively planning and preparing for righteous conduct. This proactive approach ensures our action…
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Last reviewed October 2026
