17  recompensing to no one evil for evil: providing things honest before all men: 18  if possible, as far as depends on you, living in peace with all men; 19  not avenging yourselves, beloved, but give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance belongs to me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. 20  If therefore thine enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him drink; for, so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. 21  Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Chapter 13

1  Let every soul be subject to the authorities that are above him. For there is no authority except from God; and those that exist are set up by God. 2  So that he that sets himself in opposition to the authority resists the ordinance of God; and they who thus resist shall bring sentence of guilt on themselves. 3  For rulers are not a terror to a good work, but to an evil one. Dost thou desire then not to be afraid of the authority? practise what is good, and thou shalt have praise from it; 4  for it is God’s minister to thee for good. But if thou practisest evil, fear; for it bears not the sword in vain; for it is God’s minister, an avenger for wrath to him that does evil. 5  Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience. 6  For on this account ye pay tribute also; for they are God’s officers, attending continually on this very thing.

7  Render to all their dues: to whom tribute is due, tribute; to whom custom, custom; to whom fear, fear; to whom honour, honour.