Romans 12:17-19

“ Recompensing to no man evil for evil; being preoccupied with good in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, living peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenging not yourselves; but give place unto wrath; for it is written: Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. ”

There is a close connection between the abnegation described in the preceding verses and the love which pardons. Hence it is that the apostle continues, in Romans 12:17, with a simple participle; for vengeance is very often the effect of wounded pride. But why add the second precept, taken from Pro 3:4 ? Probably the apostle means to contrast preoccupation with good, as an antidote, with those sombre thoughts and hostile projects which are cherished under the dominion of resentment. The clause: before all men, depends of course on the participle προνοούμενοι, preoccupying yourselves. not on the object καλά, good things, as Hofmann thinks. Paul would have the believer's inward preoccupation with good to be so manifest in his conduct, even toward his adversaries or enemies, that no one shall be able to suspect in him any working of the mind inspired by a contrary disposition. The meaning of the Hebrew is rather different from that of the Alex. version, which the apostle here follows. The original ought probably to be translated thus: “Thou shalt find favor and success before men.” The LXX. have translated: “Thou shalt find favor; and do thou consider good before all men.”