| Geneva Study Bible {16} Let not then your good be evil spoken of: (16) Another argument: because by this means evil is spoken of the liberty of the gospel, as though it opens the way to attempt anything whatever, and gives us boldness to do all things. People's New Testament 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of. You have greater knowledge than these weak brethren, and know that nothing is unclean (Ro 14:14). That is good. But if you sternly insist on your right to do what the weak regard as sinful, your good will be evil spoken of. Wesley's Notes 14:16 Let not then your good and lawful liberty be evil spoken of - By being offensive to others. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 16, 17. Let not then your good-that is, this liberty of yours as to Jewish meats and days, well founded though it be. be evil spoken of-for the evil it does to others. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 14:14-18 Christ deals gently with those who have true grace, though they are weak in it. Consider the design of Christ's death: also that drawing a soul to sin, threatens the destruction of that soul. Did Christ deny himself for our brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves for them, so as to keep from any indulgence? We cannot hinder ungoverned tongues from speaking evil; but we must not give them any occasion. We must deny ourselves in many cases what we may lawfully do, when our doing it may hurt our good name. Our good often comes to be evil spoken of, because we use lawful things in an uncharitable and selfish manner. As we value the reputation of the good we profess and practise, let us seek that it may not be evil-spoken of. Righteousness, peace, and joy, are words that mean a great deal. As to God, our great concern is to appear before him justified by Christ's death, sanctified by the Spirit of his grace; for the righteous Lord loveth righteousness. As to our brethren, it is to live in peace, and love, and charity with them; following peace with all men. As to ourselves, it is joy in the Holy Ghost; that spiritual joy wrought by the blessed Spirit in the hearts of believers, which respects God as their reconciled Father, and heaven as their expected home. Regard to Christ in doing our duties, alone can make them acceptable. Those are most pleasing to God that are best pleased with him; and they abound most in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. They are approved by wise and good men; and the opinion of others is not to be regarded. | 
