Romans 14:16
What does Romans 14:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 14:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 14:16 means
Paul warns the strong not to let their good—legitimate Christian freedom—become the target of slander. When liberty is used carelessly and causes harm, it will be spoken of as evil, and rightly so. The way to protect the reputation of freedom is to exercise it with wisdom, love, and discretion. Keep the focus on what builds up rather than on asserting rights. When the church sees freedom employed to serve others, it commends the gospel. When it sees freedom wielded selfishly, it discredits it. Therefore, steward your liberty so that it remains a blessing, not a stumbling block.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let it not be possible for men to say evil about your good:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Let not, then, your good be evil spoken of,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let not then our good be evil spoken of.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let not then your good be evil spoken of;
Context
Following the appeal to love in verse 15, this verse turns to the public witness of Christian liberty. It prepares for verse 17’s statement about the kingdom’s essence—righteousness, peace, and joy—showing that the reputation of our practices matters. Paul is shepherding the strong away from thoughtless exercise of rights and toward a kingdom-centered ethic that seeks God’s approval and the church’s edification.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 12:17
Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
- 2 Corinthians 8:20
avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22
abstain from every form of evil.
- 1 Corinthians 10:29
conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other’s; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 14.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Doubt
The Bible acknowledges the reality of doubt, offering comfort, guidance, and encouragement to those who wrestle with uncertainty.
Topic
Bible Verses About Judging Others
These Bible verses offer guidance and wisdom on the important topic of judging others with a spirit of humility and love.
Topic
Bible Verses About Judgment
Understanding God's judgment, both past and future, helps us live righteously and find grace in His divine plan.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Hopeless
When the future has gone gray — verses that don't lecture, only hold.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.