Romans 12:18 (KJV)

Passage

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Nearby Context

Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "possible", "much", "lieth", "live", and "peaceably". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "possible" and "much", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 17's "Recompense to no man evil for evil..." into verse 19's "Dearly beloved avenge not yourselves but rather...", so "possible" and "much" belong inside that flow. In Romans context, the local focus is righteousness by faith, union with Christ, life in the Spirit, and God's covenant faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "possible" and "much" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.