Romans 14:16
Romans 14:16 in Multiple Translations
Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Let it not be possible for men to say evil about your good:
Don't let the good things you do be misrepresented—
Cause not your commoditie to be euill spoken of.
Let not, then, your good be evil spoken of,
Then don’t let your good be slandered,
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Let not then our good be evil spoken of.
Similarly, do not do something that you think is good if, as a result, your fellow believer would sin and then others would speak evil of you who say that you are Christians.
Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 14:16
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Romans 14:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Romans 14:16
Study Notes — Romans 14:16
- Context
- Cross References
- Romans 14:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Romans 14:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 14:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 14:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Romans 14:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 14:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 14:16
- Cambridge Bible on Romans 14:16
- Barnes' Notes on Romans 14:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Romans 14:16
- Sermons on Romans 14:16
Context — The Law of Love
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. 18For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:17 | Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 5:22 | Abstain from every form of evil. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:29–30 | the other one’s conscience, I mean, not your own. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 8:20–21 | We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift. For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men. |
Romans 14:16 Summary
This verse is reminding us to be thoughtful about how our actions might be perceived by others, even if we think they are good. We should consider how our behavior might impact those around us and take care to not cause them to stumble or think poorly of us, as seen in Romans 14:13. By being mindful of the impact of our actions, we can demonstrate love and consideration for others, just as Jesus did, and bring glory to God, as taught in 1 Corinthians 10:31. This means being sensitive to the needs and convictions of others, and taking care to not do anything that might bring reproach on the name of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to not let what I consider good be spoken of as evil?
This means that as a believer, I should be mindful of how my actions, even if they are good in my own eyes, might be perceived by others, and take care to not cause them to stumble or think poorly of me, as seen in Romans 14:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.
How can I know if my actions are causing others to view something as evil?
I can know by being sensitive to the convictions of others, as Paul teaches in Romans 14:14-15, and by considering how my actions might be impacting those around me, just as Jesus considered the impact of His actions on others, as seen in Matthew 9:10-13.
Is this verse saying that I should never do anything that someone else might disagree with?
No, this verse is not saying that, but rather that I should be mindful of the impact of my actions on others and take care to not cause them to stumble, as seen in Romans 14:21, and to consider the greater good, as taught in Philippians 2:3-4.
How does this relate to my witness for Christ?
As a representative of Christ, my actions and behavior should reflect well on Him, and I should take care to not do anything that might bring reproach on His name, as seen in Colossians 4:5-6 and 1 Peter 2:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I might be causing others to view something as evil, even if I consider it good?
- How can I balance my own convictions with the need to be sensitive to the convictions of others?
- In what ways can I demonstrate love and consideration for others, even if we disagree on certain issues?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that my actions are not causing others to stumble or think poorly of me?
Gill's Exposition on Romans 14:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 14:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 14:16
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 14:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 14:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 14:16
Cambridge Bible on Romans 14:16
Barnes' Notes on Romans 14:16
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 14:16
Sermons on Romans 14:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Beware of Becoming Puffed Up by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking by the Spirit and not relying on our own carnal thinking. He highlights that when we walk by the Spirit, we fulfil |
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Can God Use Rock Music? by Keith Green | Keith Green addresses the controversial topic of using rock music in Christian ministry, sharing his personal struggles and insights on the matter. He discusses the differing opini |
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Bringing Christianity Into Disrepute by John Hames | John Hames preaches on the importance of not allowing our good deeds to be spoken of as evil, emphasizing that even Jesus Christ faced criticism despite His purity. He highlights c |
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(Sex, Love & Marriage) 3. Opposite Poles Attract by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen discusses the natural attraction between the sexes, emphasizing that while it is normal to seek friendship and admiration from the opposite sex, it is crucial to maintai |
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Christ Overcame Evil With Good, Do the Same by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and the need to overcome evil with good. He highlights the concept of giving water and food to one's enemies and wanti |
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Forgiveness - Part 9 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love towards those who have wronged us, highlighting the need for God's grace to enable us to forgive effortlessly and show |
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Peter the Teacher by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea of loving life and seeing good days. He emphasizes that many people in the world may have good days, but they do not truly love lif |






