The Christian, Boston, U.S.A Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. A young man in a dry-goods store in Boston was endeavouring to sell a customer some goods. He had a quantity on hand which he much desired to dispose of, as they were not of the freshest style; and the man seemed inclined to take them. When the goods had been examined, and the bargain was about to be concluded, the customer inquired: "Are these goods the latest style?" The young man hesitated. He wanted to sell the goods, and it appeared evident that if he said they were the latest style, the man would take them. But he could not tell a lie, and he replied: "They are not the latest style of goods, but they are a very good style." The man looked at him, examined some other goods of later style, and said: "I will take those of the older style, and some of the new also. Your honesty in stating the facts will fasten me to this place." The man not only sold his goods, and kept a good conscience, but he also retained a customer, whom he might never have seen again if he had not spoken to him the exact truth. There is no permanent gain in falsehood and deception. Righteousness and truth are a sure foundation. ("The Christian," Boston, U.S.A.) 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. |