Romans 12:15-17 - Exposition

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another (denoting mutual good feeling and unanimity of sentiment; not, of course, agreement in opinion on all subjects). Mind not high things, but condescend to (literally, being led away with ) men of low estate . It is a question whether τοῖς ταπεινοῖς should not be understood as neuter, so as to correspond with τὰ ὐψηλὰ ; the meaning thus being that, instead of being ambitious, we should let ourselves be drawn willingly to the lowlier spheres of usefulness to which we may be called. The main objection to this view is that the adjective ταπεινὸς is not elsewhere applied to things, but to persons. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil . Provide (in the sense of take forethought for) things honest (or fair, or honourable ) in the sight of all men . This is a citation from Proverbs 3:4 , where the LXX . has, προνοοῦ καλὰ ἀνώπιον κυριόυ καὶ ἀνθρώπων . We are not only to do what we know to be right in the sight of God, but also to have regard to the view that will be taken of our conduct by other men; we must not give any just cause for our good being evil spoken of (cf. Proverbs 3:16 and 1 Peter 2:12 ).