God teaches us that it is right to punish those who do wrong. When He or those authorized by Him (see Romans 13:1-5) punish evil as He designed, it is justice. When individuals take things into their own hands, however, it is usually for revenge.

Justice is a matter of comparing one’s behavior with a recognized code of behavior or law. When the law is broken, justice demands a fitting punishment.

Vengeance is not about justice, but personal ego. The apostle John identifies it as, “the boastful pride of life”, 1st John 2:16. The difference between the two seems to be in the heart of those who react. Ideally, those enacting justice respond according to a law as it separates right from wrong. Typically, revenge is a response to pride.

Perhaps this is why God claims the right of vengeance as His own. For God, vengeance is justice. For us, it is mostly a matter of arrogant presumption.

There is a day of judgment coming when each of us will bow the knee before God and give an account of the deeds we do here on earth (see Romans 14:10-12 & 2nd Corinthians 5:10 on this). If we are willing to trust God, we can simply wait for Him to bring all things into judgment as He has promised to take care of them.

Why else would He teach us things like:

“You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge…”, Leviticus 19:18

“Do not say, „Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me…” Proverbs 24:29

“Do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also”, Matthew 5:39

“If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also”,

“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone”, Romans 12:17

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God”,

“See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that

which is good for one another and for all people”, 1st Thessalonians 5:15.

Waiting for His judgment is a matter of faith. Vengeance is a matter of Godlessness.