1 Peter 3:8–17

Do No Evil

8 Now finally, all of you should be like-minded and sympathetic, should love believers, y z and be compassionate a and humble, b 9 not paying back evil for evil c or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, d since you were called for this, so that you can inherit a blessing.

10 For the e one who wants to love life

and to see good days

must keep his tongue from evil f

and his lips from speaking deceit, g

11 and he must turn away h from evil

and do what is good.

He must seek peace i and pursue it,

12 because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and His ears are open to their request.

But the face of the Lord is against

those who do what is evil. j

Undeserved Suffering

13 And who will harm k you if you are deeply committed to what is good? l 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, m you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear n or be disturbed, o p 15 but honor q the * Messiah r as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason s for the hope that is in you. t 16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, u v w so that when you are accused, x those who denounce your Christian life y will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer z for doing good, if that should be God’s will, a than for doing evil.