First Letter of Peter

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps,

who did not sin, "neither was deceit found in his mouth."

Who, when he was reviled, didn't revile back. When he suffered, didn't threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously;

who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.

For you were going astray like sheep; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

In like manner, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don't obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word;

seeing your pure behavior in fear.

Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing;

but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious.

For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God, also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.

You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.

Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous,

not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.

For, "He who would love life, And see good days, Let him keep his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.

Let him turn away from evil, and do good. Let him seek peace, and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And his ears open to their prayer; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good?

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Don't fear what they fear, neither be troubled."

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: