Romans 12:17 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Recompense to no man evil for evil; our Saviour teacheth the same doctrine in other words, Matthew 5:39,40: see parallel places in Proverbs 20:22 1 Thessalonians 5:15 1 Peter 3:9. See more against retaliating injuries and private revenge in the three last verses of this chapter. Revenge is so sweet to flesh and blood, that men are very hardly dissuaded from it. Provide things honest in the sight of all men: q.d. Look carefully, as to your conscience before God, so to your honour and reputation with men. Let all your words and actions be justifiable, and unexceptionable, that evil men may have no occasion to reproach you as evil-doers. See a parallel place, 2 Corinthians 8:21. See also Philippians 4:8 1 Peter 3:16.