Romans 12:17-18
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)
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The verse calls us not just to avoid retaliating with evil, but to actively plan to do what is good and honorable. This isn't about simply reacting to circumstances; it's about a deliberate, forward-thinking pursuit of actions that are seen as right and beautiful by everyone.
Paul is instructing believers on how to live out their faith practically within the community and the wider world, immediately after discussing humility and love. This follows his exhortation to present their bodies as living sacrifices, and the verses that follow will elaborate on peacemaking and trusting God's justice. Therefore, this verse is a direct application of transformed living, urging believers not to stoop to the level of those who wrong them but to maintain a reputation for integrity.
Ever felt the urge to 'get even' when someone wrongs you? This verse confronts that powerful impulse head-on, calling us to a higher standard.
Paul's instruction to 'repay no one evil for evil' is a radical departure from the 'eye for an eye' mentality. It's not just about refraining from outward acts of revenge, but from the inner disposition to wish harm or 'return' negativity.
This is one of Christianity's most challenging teachings because our natural inclination is to defend ourselves, strike back, or at least hold onto resentment. Paul, however, is unyielding. He insists that the follower of Christ must break this cycle of retaliation, even when it feels deeply unjust.
Think of it like this: a fire that is met with more fuel only burns hotter. When we meet evil with evil, we escalate the conflict and perpetuate hurt. This command calls us to be the one to stop the spread of the fire.
It's not enough to simply not do bad things. Paul calls us to actively pursue something positive, something that shines brightly.
The second part of the verse, 'give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all,' is not passive. The original language suggests a deliberate, thoughtful planning – 'thinking beforehand' about how to act.
This means we aren't just reacting to situations; we are proactively considering our conduct. We need to ask ourselves:
'Honorable' here doesn't just mean 'proper' or 'respectable' in a superficial sense. It speaks to things that are good, beautiful, and right – actions that are commendable and inspire confidence. It’s about ensuring our lives are marked by integrity, even towards those who may have wronged us.
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.
Jesus directly echoes this command in the Sermon on the Mount, urging His followers not to resist an evildoer, which is a foundational teaching on responding to harm without retaliation.
1 Thessalonians 5:15This passage directly parallels Romans 12:17, explicitly stating 'See that no one repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.' It reinforces the idea that good conduct should be the consistent response, not evil.
1 Peter 3:9Peter connects this principle to our calling as Christians, stating 'Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but instead bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.' This highlights the spiritual reward and purpose behind abstaining from retaliation.
Proverbs 3:4The phrase 'do what is honorable' (or 'things honest') in the sight of all men echoes the sentiment in Proverbs, which advises finding favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man through wise conduct. This links the New Testament command to Old Testament wisdom literature.
2 Corinthians 8:21This verse speaks of 'providing honorable things not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men,' underscoring the importance of maintaining integrity and good reputation not just before God, but also in the eyes of the world.
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 verse calls us not just to avoid retaliating with evil, but to actively plan to do what is good and honorable. This isn't about simply reacting to circumstances; it's about a deliberate, forward-thinking pursuit of actions that are seen as right and beautiful by everyone.
Paul is instructing believers on how to live out their faith practically within the community and the wider world, immediately after discussing humility and love. This follows his exhortation to present their bodies as living sacrifices, and the verses that follow will elaborate on peacemaking and trusting God's justice. Therefore, this verse is a direct application of transformed living, urging believers not to stoop to the level of those who wrong them but to maintain a reputation for integrity.
Paul is instructing believers on how to live out their faith practically within the community and the wider world, immediately after discussing humility and love. This follows his exhortation to present their bodies as living sacrifices, and the verses that follow will elaborate on peacemaking and trusting God's justice. Therefore, this verse is a direct application of transformed living, urging believers not to stoop to the level of those who wrong them but to maintain a reputation for integrity.
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"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 verse calls us not just to avoid retaliating with evil, but to actively plan to do what is good and honorable. This isn't about simply reacting to circumstances; it's about a deliberate, forwar…
