Romans 12:17

Romans 12:17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.

'render' -'pay back' (NASV), 'Never return injury for injury' (TCNT)

'no man' -emphatic, to no one, Christian or non-Christian. (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

'evil for evil' -this isn't referring to punishments inflicted on law-breakers by. lawful government (Romans 13:3) (the death penalty isn't under consideration here). Neither does this refer to acts of self-defense.. husband is required by God to protect his wife and family (Ephesians 5:25 ff)

Rather this is dealing with personal vengeance. 'Revenge is sweet became. universal saying because it is!'

'Paul first advises that the Christian should not be vindictive. The reason is simple: he is not qualified to mete out vengeance. To his friends, he will be too charitable, to his enemies too strict.' (GOT. Jan. 4th, 1979, 'Present Your Bodies. Living Sacrifice', Dee Bowman p. 26)

'take thought' -'Respect' (NASV). Take thought for, take into consideration, have regard for (Arndt p. 708) 'Determine on the noblest ways in dealing with all people.' (Ber) 'Taking thought in advance' (Vincent p. 161) 'Pre-think--to think before you adopt. certain course of action.' (Whiteside p. 255)

'honorable in the sight of all men' -'It isn't enough that we be honest, we must be seen to be honest.' (McGuiggan p. 374) 'Give no cause for suspicion or offense, but disarm all enmity by open, and fair-minded dealing.' (McGarvey p. 502) 'It's not letting man's standard rule us, but it is considering, "How is this going to look?" "Can. do it another way without causing suspicion or offense?" (2 Corinthians 8:21; Romans 14:16)