Retaliation
J. Lyth, D.D. 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.