Definition & Meaning of "Not do evil that good come of it"

not do (any) evil that good may come (out) of it

/nˌɒt dˈuː ˌɛni ɔːɹ ˈiːvəl ðat ɡˈʊd mˈeɪ ɔː mˌaɪt ɔː kˈʌm ɔː ɹɪzˈʌlt ˈaʊt ɔːɹ ɒv ɪt/

/nˌɑːt dˈuː ˌɛni ɔːɹ ˈiːvəl ðæt ɡˈʊd mˈeɪ ɔːɹ mˌaɪt ɔːɹ kˈʌm ɔːɹ ɹɪzˈʌlt ˈaʊt ɔːɹ ʌv ɪt/

not do (any) evil that good may come (out) of it

SENTENCE

to avoid doing something bad or unethical for the sake of achieving something good

{not} [do] (any|) evil that good (may|might|) come (out|) of it definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "not do evil that good come out of it" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "not do any evil that good come out of it" can be traced back to ethical and moral principles, often associated with religious teachings. It reflects the idea that one should not engage in wrongful or unethical actions, even if they believe that such actions might lead to a positive outcome or result in a greater good. This moral principle has been a part of various ethical and philosophical traditions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's integrity and ethical standards, even in challenging situations.

Example

Ethical leaders understand the importance of not compromising their values, even when pressured to do so, as they believe in not doing evil that good may come out of it.