14 Bless those who persecute,[a] bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Think the same thing toward one another; do not think arrogantly[b], but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own sight[c]. 17 Pay back no one evil for evil. Take thought for what is good in the sight of all people. 18 If it is possible on your part, be at peace with all people. 19 Do not take revenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by[e] doing this, you will heap up coals of fire upon his head.”[f] 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 12:14 Some manuscripts have “who persecute you”
  2. Romans 12:16 Literally “think not the arrogant”
  3. Romans 12:16 Literally “in the sight of yourselves”
  4. Romans 12:19 A quotation from Deut 32:35
  5. Romans 12:20 Here “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“doing”) which is understood as means
  6. Romans 12:20 A quotation from Prov 25:21–22

14 Bless those who persecute you;(A) bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.(B) 16 Live in harmony with one another.(C) Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.(D)

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.(E) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.(F) 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.(G) 19 Do not take revenge,(H) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b](I) says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[c](J)

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work
  2. Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
  3. Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22