What does the Bible say about getting even?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible forbids personal vengeance and calls believers to overcome wrongdoing with patient, active love, trusting God to judge righteously. Romans 12:19 and Romans 12:17-21 teach us not to repay evil for evil, but to leave vengeance to the Lord and seek our enemy's good. Jesus deepens this command in Luke 6:27-38, urging His people to love enemies, pray for them, and show the mercy they have received from God. Proverbs 20:22 counsels waiting for the Lord rather than saying, “I will repay,” while Proverbs 15:1 and James 1:19-20 commend gentle, restrained responses. In Christ, believers are freed to forgive, trusting God's justice and strength.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Romans 12:19

    Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

  • Proverbs 20:22

    Don't say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.

  • James 1:19-20

    [19] So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God.

  • Luke 6:27-38

    [27] "But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. [29] To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don't withhold your coat also. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. [31] "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. [32] If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. [33] If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. [36] Therefore be merciful, Even as your Father is also merciful. [37] Don't judge, And you won't be judged. Don't condemn, And you won't be condemned. Set free, And you will be set free. [38] "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you."

  • Proverbs 15:1

    A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

  • 1 Peter 3:9

    not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.

  • Proverbs 12:16

    A fool shows his annoyance the same day, But one who overlooks an insult is prudent.

  • Romans 12:2

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • Isaiah 41:10

    Don't you be afraid, for I am with you; don't be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Romans 12:17-21

    [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." [20] Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head." [21] Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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