Romans 14:16
New International Version
Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.

New Living Translation
Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good.

English Standard Version
So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil.

Berean Standard Bible
Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore let not your good be spoken of as evil.

King James Bible
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

New King James Version
Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;

New American Standard Bible
Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;

NASB 1995
Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;

NASB 1977
Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be slandered;

Amplified Bible
Therefore do not let what is a good thing for you [because of your freedom to choose] be spoken of as evil [by someone else];

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, do not let your good be slandered,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, do not let your good be slandered,

American Standard Version
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

Contemporary English Version
Don't let your right to eat bring shame to Christ.

English Revised Version
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't allow anyone to say that what you consider good is evil.

Good News Translation
Do not let what you regard as good get a bad name.

International Standard Version
Do not allow what seems good to you to be spoken of as evil.

NET Bible
Therefore do not let what you consider good be spoken of as evil.

New Heart English Bible
Then do not let your good be slandered,

Webster's Bible Translation
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore do not let the boon which is yours in common be exposed to reproach.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.

World English Bible
Then don’t let your good be slandered,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Do not let, then, evil be spoken of your good,

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore let not your good be spoken of as evil.

Young's Literal Translation
Let not, then, your good be evil spoken of,

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore let not your good be defamed.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Let not then our good be evil spoken of.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, what is good for us should not be a cause of blasphemy.

New American Bible
So do not let your good be reviled.

New Revised Standard Version
So do not let your good be spoken of as evil.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Let not our blessings be a reproach to any one:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And let not our good be blasphemed.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Therefore, let not that which is your good be evil spoken of.

Godbey New Testament
Let not your good be blasphemed.

Haweis New Testament
Let not therefore food, which is good for you, give occasion of reproach.

Mace New Testament
Don't let our religion then be expos'd to reproach.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore do not let the boon which is yours in common be exposed to reproach.

Worrell New Testament
Let not, therefore, your good be evil spoken of;

Worsley New Testament
Let not your liberty then be evil-spoken of: for the kingdom of God consists not in meat and drink;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Law of Love
15If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died. 16Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 8:9
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

1 Corinthians 8:13
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.

1 Corinthians 10:32-33
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— / as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.

1 Peter 2:12
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

Philippians 2:15
so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Corinthians 6:12
“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.

1 Corinthians 9:19-22
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. / To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. / To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. ...

2 Corinthians 6:3
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.

Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Titus 2:7-8
In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, / and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.


Treasury of Scripture

Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

1 Corinthians 10:29,30
Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? …

2 Corinthians 8:20,21
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: …

Jump to Previous
Allow Boon Common Consider Evil Exposed Good Possible Reproach Slandered
Jump to Next
Allow Boon Common Consider Evil Exposed Good Possible Reproach Slandered
Romans 14
1. Men may not condemn one another for disputable matters;
13. but must take heed that they give no offense in them;
15. which the apostle proves unlawful by many reasons.














Do not allow
This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and vigilance. Believers are called to actively prevent situations where their actions or beliefs could be misinterpreted or criticized. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of being a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16) and living above reproach (Philippians 2:15).

what you consider good
The "good" here refers to actions or freedoms that are permissible within the Christian faith, such as dietary choices or observing certain days, as discussed earlier in Romans 14. This reflects the broader theme of Christian liberty found in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, where believers are encouraged to seek the good of others, not just their own.

then, to be spoken of as evil
This phrase warns against allowing one's freedoms to become a stumbling block or cause for slander. In the cultural context of the early church, where Jewish and Gentile believers had differing views on the law, it was crucial to maintain unity and avoid actions that could lead to division or misunderstanding. This echoes the teaching in 1 Peter 2:12, which encourages believers to live such good lives that even those who accuse them will see their good deeds and glorify God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the Christian community in Rome, providing guidance on how to live harmoniously despite differences in personal convictions.

2. Roman Christians
The recipients of the letter, a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, who were navigating issues of conscience and cultural differences.

3. Early Church
The broader context of the early Christian community, which was dealing with issues of unity and diversity in practice and belief.
Teaching Points
Guard Your Witness
As Christians, we must be mindful of how our actions and freedoms are perceived by others. Our behavior should reflect Christ and not give others a reason to speak ill of our faith.

Prioritize Unity
In matters of personal conviction, prioritize the unity and edification of the body of Christ over individual freedoms. This fosters a loving and supportive community.

Discernment in Freedom
Exercise discernment in your freedoms, ensuring that what you consider good does not become a stumbling block for others or tarnish the reputation of the Gospel.

Love Over Liberty
Love should guide our actions more than the exercise of our personal liberties. Consider how your actions affect others and choose love as the guiding principle.

Reflect Christ in All Things
Our ultimate goal is to reflect Christ in all we do. This means being conscious of how our actions are perceived and ensuring they align with the teachings of Jesus.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Romans 14:16?

2. How can we ensure our "good" is not spoken of as evil today?

3. What actions might cause others to view our faith negatively?

4. How does Romans 14:16 connect with Matthew 5:16 about letting our light shine?

5. In what ways can we protect our Christian witness in daily interactions?

6. How can we discern when our freedoms might harm another's faith journey?

7. How does Romans 14:16 define what is considered "good" in a Christian's life?

8. Why is it important to avoid letting good be spoken of as evil in Romans 14:16?

9. How does Romans 14:16 relate to Christian freedom and responsibility?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 14?

11. Why did God create Satan knowing he would cause evil?

12. How can one avoid seeming evil?

13. What is the Principle of Double Effect?

14. What is the Principle of Double Effect?
What Does Romans 14:16 Mean
Do not allow

• Paul begins with an action step: guard your liberty. Earlier in the chapter he says, “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12), then warns, “Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way” (Romans 14:13).

• The same concern surfaces in 1 Corinthians 8:9, “Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”

• A believer must actively prevent situations where his God-given freedom becomes harmful to another’s conscience. That means:

– Paying attention to who is watching.

– Willingly limiting a liberty when it threatens someone’s walk (Philippians 2:4).

– Remembering the reputation of the gospel matters more than a personal preference (1 Corinthians 10:31-33).


what you consider good

• “Good” refers to activities God permits—eating meat, celebrating certain days, or any neutral practice Scripture does not forbid (1 Timothy 4:4; Acts 10:15).

• These things are good because God created them, and He calls them clean for those who receive them with thanksgiving.

• Yet even a God-approved liberty can become spiritually damaging if exercised without love (Galatians 5:13).

• Paul is not questioning the intrinsic goodness of the liberty; he is challenging believers to view it through the lens of love for others (Romans 14:15).


then

• The word signals consequence. If we fail to guard our liberty, the next result follows.

Romans 14:17-18 explains why this matters: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.”

• Focusing on externals over relationships distorts kingdom priorities.


to be spoken of as evil

• When a liberty wounds a weaker conscience, outsiders can label that very liberty—something God calls good—as evil.

1 Peter 2:12 echoes this danger: “Live such good lives among the pagans that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”

Titus 2:7-8 adds, “…so that those who oppose you may be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.”

• Practical safeguards:

– Ask, “Will this confuse or embolden someone to sin?” (Romans 14:21).

– Be ready to give up a preference for the sake of peace and mutual edification (Romans 14:19).

– Keep a clear conscience personally, but walk charitably toward others (Romans 14:22).


summary

Romans 14:16 calls believers to steward their freedoms responsibly. Enjoy the good gifts God provides, yet handle them in a way that protects weaker brothers and upholds the gospel’s reputation. When love governs liberty, what God names good will remain good in the eyes of others, and Christ will be honored.

(16) Your good.--That blessing of Christian liberty which you enjoy. This is not to be used so as to give rise to reproaches and recriminations which will make a bad impression on the outside world.

Verse 16. - Let not then your good be evil spoken of. "Your good" is your enlightenment, which is in itself a good thing; but it will be "evil spoken of" as a bad thing, if it leads to superciliousness and uncharitableness.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
{Do} not {allow}
Μὴ (Mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

what
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

you [consider]
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

good,
ἀγαθόν (agathon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

then,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

to be spoken of as evil.
βλασφημείσθω (blasphēmeisthō)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 987: From blasphemos; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously.


Links
Romans 14:16 NIV
Romans 14:16 NLT
Romans 14:16 ESV
Romans 14:16 NASB
Romans 14:16 KJV

Romans 14:16 BibleApps.com
Romans 14:16 Biblia Paralela
Romans 14:16 Chinese Bible
Romans 14:16 French Bible
Romans 14:16 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Romans 14:16 Then don't let your good be slandered (Rom. Ro)
Romans 14:15
Top of Page
Top of Page