19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.



Ver. 19. Avenge not yourselves] Some take the sword into their own hands; and, lest they should seem Anabaptists in taking two blows for one, will give two blows for one.



Give place to wrath] sc. To the wrath and vengeance of God, which he seemeth to prevent that seeks revenge. Or, "give place to wrath." Do nothing in thine heat, but walk into the garden, as Ahasuerus did, when kindled against Haman, Ezr_7:7. Theodosius was advised by Ambrose to say over the Lord’s prayer; Augustus by Athenodoras, to repeat the Greek alphabet, before they determined anything in their anger.



Or, give place to wrath] Currenti cede furori, set not thy wit to his (for anger is a short madness), but bear with his weakness that wrongeth thee.