Romans 12:17

“Recompence to no man evil for evil, etc..] Neither evil words for evil words, railing for railing; nor evil deeds for evil deeds, one ill turn for another; nor the evil of punishment for the evil of fault, unless it be by persons, who under God have an authority to inflict it; as the civil magistrate, who “is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil”, (<451304>Romans 13:4); but private revenge is what is here forbidden: providing things honest in the sight of all men. The Vulgate Latin reads, “not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of all men”; and the Alexandrian copy reads, “in the sight of God and in the sight of men”, which clause seems to…”

“Recompense--"Recompensing," &c.--(See on Rom 12:14). Provide--"Providing" things honest--"honorable" in the sight of all men--The idea (which is from Pro 3:4) is the care which Christians should take so to demean themselves as to command the respect of all men.”

“Recompense - Render, give, or return; see the note at Matthew 5:39. This is probably one of the most difficult precepts of Christianity; but the law of Christ on the subject is unyielding. It is a solemn demand made on all his followers, and it “must” be obeyed. Provide - The word rendered “provide” means properly to “think” or “meditate beforehand.” Make it a matter of “previous thought,” of “settled plan,” of “design.” This direction would make it a matter of “principle” and fixed purpose to do what is right; and not to leave it to the fluctuations of feeling, or to the influence of excitement. The same direction is given in 2 Corinthians 8:21. Things honest - Literally, things…”

“Provide - Think beforehand; contrive to give as little offence as may be to any. Romans 12:19”

“Recompense: Rom 12:19; Pro 20:22; Mat 5:39; Th1 5:15; Pe1 3:9 Provide: Rom 14:16; Co1 6:6, Co1 6:7, Co1 13:4, Co1 13:5; Co2 8:20, Co2 8:21; Phi 4:8, Phi 4:9; Col 4:5; Th1 4:12; Th1 5:22; Ti1 5:14; Tit 2:4, Tit 2:5; Pe1 2:12, Pe1 3:16 Romans 12:18”