1 Peter 3:1–16

Wives, in the same way submit yourselves^d to your own husbands^e so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over^f without words by the behavior of their wives, ²when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. ³Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.^{g 4}Rather, it should be that of your inner self,^h the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.^{i 5}For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God^j used to adorn themselves.^k They submitted themselves to their own husbands, ⁶like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.^l You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

⁷Husbands,^m in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Suffering for Doing Good

⁸Finally, all of you, be like-minded,ⁿ be sympathetic, love one another,^o be compassionate and humble.^{p 9}Do not repay evil with evil^q or insult with insult.^r On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,^s because to this^t you were called^u so that you may inherit a blessing.^{v 10}For,

“Whoever would love life

and see good days

must keep their tongue from evil

and their lips from deceitful speech.

¹¹They must turn from evil and do good;

they must seek peace and pursue it.

¹²For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and his ears are attentive to their prayer,

but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”^aw

¹³Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?^{x 14}But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^y “Do not fear their threats^b; do not be frightened.”^{cz 15}But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^a to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^b that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience,^c so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^d