John Calvin Commentary Romans 12:17

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

Repaying to no one, etc. This differs only slightly from what follows shortly after, except that revenge is more than the kind of repaying of which he speaks here. For we sometimes render evil for evil, even when we do not demand retribution for an injury, as when we treat unkindly those who do us no good.

We are indeed accustomed to form an estimate of the deserts of each, or of what they merit from us, so that we may give our benefits to those by whom we have already been obliged, or from whom we expect something. Again, when anyone denies us help when we need it, we, by returning like for like, as they say, do not help him in his time of need, just as he did not assist us. There are also other instances of the same kind, in which evil is rendered for evil, when there is no open revenge.

Providing good things, etc. I do not disapprove of the rendering of Erasmus, “Providently preparing,” (Provide parantes; ) but I prefer a literal rendering. As everyone is more than justly devoted to his own advantage, and provident in avoiding losses, Paul seems to require a different kind of care and attention.

What is meant is that we ought to diligently labor so that all may be edified by our honest dealings. For just as purity of conscience is necessary for us before God, so uprightness of character before men is not to be neglected.

For since it is fitting that God should be glorified by our good deeds, so much is lacking from His glory as there is a deficiency of what is praiseworthy in us; and not only is the glory of God thus obscured, but He is branded with reproach, for whatever sin we commit, the ignorant use it to slander the gospel.

But when we are commanded to prepare good things before men, we must at the same time note for what purpose: it is not indeed so that men may admire and praise us, as this is a desire Christ carefully forbids us to indulge, since He commands us to admit God alone as the witness of our good deeds, to the exclusion of all men;

but it is so that their minds, being elevated to God, may give praise to Him; so that by our example they may be stirred up to the practice of righteousness; and so that they may, in a word, perceive the good and sweet fragrance of our life, by which they may be allured to the love of God.

But if we are spoken evil of for the name of Christ, we are by no means to neglect providing good things before men, for then that saying will be fulfilled: that we are counted as false, and yet are true (2 Corinthians 6:8).