Revenge belongs to God alone, not you.

"If someone screws you, screw them back 10 times harder, at least they're going to leave you alone, and at least you'll feel good."  This is an entirely human sentiment, something that expresses well our sinful nature as children alienated from our Heavenly Father.  It is also, however, a sentiment in direct opposition to the Word of God.  What does God say about vengeance, what is our response supposed to be as followers of Jesus Christ?

Romans 12:14-21 (NIV)

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:38-48 (NIV)

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

The sentiment expressed in the quote at the beginning of the post came from a rich businessman in 2005, that same businessman is now one of the most powerful people in the world, Therefore his attitude regarding vengeance carries serious weight.  The thirst for vengeance, the desire to see enemies crushed, is not, nor can it ever be, the attitude of a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Revenge doesn't belong to you, it belongs to God, he will defend the righteous and punish the wicked, he will uphold the poor and the weak against the rich and the strong.