Tool Beta
Is It Actually in the Bible?
Phrases people quote as Scripture. The real verse, or the honest answer that there is not one.
"Provide things honest in the sight of all men" just means don't lie to people
"Honest" meant honorable or respectable in general conduct, not merely truth-telling.
Romans 12:17, in every translation this tool compares.
Romans 12:17 says, "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men." Paul isn't just telling Christians to avoid lying; he's telling them to conduct themselves in a way that looks honorable and above reproach to outside observers. "Honest" in 1611 English covered the whole territory now split between "honest" (truthful) and "honorable" (respectable, decent, of good repute).
Because modern "honest" has narrowed almost entirely to truthfulness, a reader can miss that Paul is talking about visible public conduct, reputation and behavior, not just avoiding falsehood.
