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is —

I. NATURAL.

II. FOOLISH. It —

1. Fails to accomplish its own end.

2. Makes matters worse.

III. UNJUSTIFIABLE. Because it is —

1. To take the law into our own hands.

2. To assume the prerogative of God.

IV. UNCHRISTIAN. Because —

1. Opposed to the Spirit of Christ.

2. Inimical to our own moral development.

3. Utterly forbidden.

(J. Lyth, D.D.)

Provide things honest in the sight of all men. —

I. How PROVIDE?

1. Think of them (1 Timothy 4:15).

2. Intend them (Psalm 17:3).

3. Endeavour them (2 Peter 1:5).

4. Practise them (1 John 3:18).

5. Continue the practice of them (1 Corinthians 15:58; Revelation 2:25, 26).

II. WHAT HONEST THINGS?

1. Towards God.

(1)  Love to His person (Deuteronomy 6:5).

(2)  Faith in His words (1 John 5:10).

(3)  Trust on His promises (Hebrews 13:5, 6).

(4)  Fear of His threatenings (Amos 3:8).

(5)  Obedience to His precepts.

2. Towards men.

(1)  To our superiors, subjection (Romans 13:1).

(2)  To our inferiors, humility.

3. To all:

(1)  Truth (Leviticus 19:11).

(2)  Equity (Leviticus 19:35, 36).

(3)  Love (Matthew 5:45).

(4)  Honour (1 Peter 2:17).

(5)  Prayers (1 Timothy 2:1).

III. HOW IN THE SIGHT OF ALL MEN.

1. So as to make open profession of our religion (Romans 1:16).

2. To manifest our integrity in it unto all (2 Corinthians 8:21).

IV. WHY IN THE SIGHT OF ALL MEN?

1. Negatively. Not to gain credit for them (Matthew 6:1).

2. Positively.

(1)  To stop others false accusing us (1 Peter 3:16).

(2)  To be an example to others (1 Corinthians 11:1).

(3)  For the glory of God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).

V. USE. Provide things honest, etc. Hereby you will —

1. Keep your conscience void of offence towards God and men (Acts 24:16).

2. Excite others to virtue (James 5:20.)

3. Be an honour to religion.

4. Be certain of God's blessing here (Psalm 39:12).

5. Be entitled to heaven hereafter.

(Bp. Beveridge.)

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

WEB: Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.