1-thessalonians 5:15
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
American King James Version (AKJV)
See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
American Standard Version (ASV)
See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Let no one give evil for evil; but ever go after what is good, for one another and for all.
Webster's Revision
See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
World English Bible
See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.
English Revised Version (ERV)
See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but alway follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.
Clarke's 1-thessalonians 5:15 Bible Commentary
See that none render evil for evil - Every temper contrary to love is contrary to Christianity. A peevish, fretful, vindictive man may be a child of Satan; he certainly is not a child of God.
Follow that which is good - That by which ye may profit your brethren and your neighbors of every description, whether Jews or Gentiles.
Barnes's 1-thessalonians 5:15 Bible Commentary
See that none render evil for evil - See the notes on Matthew 5:39, Matthew 5:44. The meaning here is, that we are not to take vengeance; compare notes on Romans 12:17, Romans 12:19. This law is positive, and is universally binding. The moment we feel ourselves acting from a desire to "return evil for evil," that moment we are acting wrong. It may be right to defend our lives and the lives of our friends; to seek the protection of the law for our persons, reputation, or property, against those who would wrong us; to repel the assaults of calumniators and slanderers, but in no case should the motive be to do them wrong for the evil which they have done us.
But ever follow that which is good - Which is benevolent, kind, just, generous; see the notes, Romans 12:20-21.
Both among yourselves, and to all men - The phrase "to all men," seems to have been added to avoid the possibility of misconstruction. Some might possibly suppose that this was a good rule to be observed toward those of their own number, but that a greater latitude in avenging injuries might be allowable toward their enemies out of the church. The apostle, therefore, says that the rule is universal. It relates to the pagan, to infidels, sceptics, and persecutors, as well as to the members of the church. To every man we are to do good as we are able - no matter what they do to us. This is the rule which God himself observes toward the evil and unthankful (notes, Matthew 5:45), and is one of the original and beautiful laws of our holy religion.
Wesley's 1-thessalonians 5:15 Bible Commentary
5:15 See that none - Watch over both yourselves and each other. Follow that which is good - Do it resolutely and perseveringly.