Retaliation
Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.


is —

I. NATURAL.

II. FOOLISH. It —

1. Fails to accomplish its own end.

2. Makes matters worse.

III. UNJUSTIFIABLE. Because it is —

1. To take the law into our own hands.

2. To assume the prerogative of God.

IV. UNCHRISTIAN. Because —

1. Opposed to the Spirit of Christ.

2. Inimical to our own moral development.

3. Utterly forbidden.

(J. Lyth, D.D.)

Provide things honest in the sight of all men. —

I. How PROVIDE?

1. Think of them (1 Timothy 4:15).

2. Intend them (Psalm 17:3).

3. Endeavour them (2 Peter 1:5).

4. Practise them (1 John 3:18).

5. Continue the practice of them (1 Corinthians 15:58; Revelation 2:25, 26).

II. WHAT HONEST THINGS?

1. Towards God.

(1)  Love to His person (Deuteronomy 6:5).

(2)  Faith in His words (1 John 5:10).

(3)  Trust on His promises (Hebrews 13:5, 6).

(4)  Fear of His threatenings (Amos 3:8).

(5)  Obedience to His precepts.

2. Towards men.

(1)  To our superiors, subjection (Romans 13:1).

(2)  To our inferiors, humility.

3. To all:

(1)  Truth (Leviticus 19:11).

(2)  Equity (Leviticus 19:35, 36).

(3)  Love (Matthew 5:45).

(4)  Honour (1 Peter 2:17).

(5)  Prayers (1 Timothy 2:1).

III. HOW IN THE SIGHT OF ALL MEN.

1. So as to make open profession of our religion (Romans 1:16).

2. To manifest our integrity in it unto all (2 Corinthians 8:21).

IV. WHY IN THE SIGHT OF ALL MEN?

1. Negatively. Not to gain credit for them (Matthew 6:1).

2. Positively.

(1)  To stop others false accusing us (1 Peter 3:16).

(2)  To be an example to others (1 Corinthians 11:1).

(3)  For the glory of God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).

V. USE. Provide things honest, etc. Hereby you will —

1. Keep your conscience void of offence towards God and men (Acts 24:16).

2. Excite others to virtue (James 5:20.)

3. Be an honour to religion.

4. Be certain of God's blessing here (Psalm 39:12).

5. Be entitled to heaven hereafter.

(Bp. Beveridge.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

WEB: Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.




Providing Things Honest in the Sight of All Men
Top of Page
Top of Page