1 Peter 3:1–22

¹In like manner, ​YOU​ wives, be in subjection to ​YOUR​ own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of [their] wives,²because of having been eyewitnesses of ​YOUR​ chaste conduct together with deep respect.³And do not let ​YOUR​ adornment be that of the external braiding of the hair and of the putting on of gold ornaments or the wearing of outer garments,⁴but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible [apparel] of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.⁵For so, too, formerly the holy women who were hoping in God used to adorn themselves, subjecting themselves to their own husbands,⁶as Sarah used to obey Abraham, calling him “lord.” And ​YOU​ have become her children, provided ​YOU​ keep on doing good and not fearing any cause for terror.

⁷YOU​ husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with them according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since ​YOU​ are also heirs with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for ​YOUR​ prayers not to be hindered.

⁸Finally, all of ​YOU​ be like‐minded, showing fellow feeling, having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate, humble in mind,⁹not paying back injury for injury or reviling for reviling, but, to the contrary, bestowing a blessing, because ​YOU​ were called to this [course], so that ​YOU​ might inherit a blessing.

¹⁰For, “he that would love life and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from what is bad and [his] lips from speaking deception,¹¹but let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it.¹²For [the] eyes of Jehovah are upon the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their supplication; but [the] face of Jehovah is against those doing bad things.”

¹³Indeed, who is the man that will harm ​YOU​ if ​YOU​ become zealous for what is good?¹⁴But even if ​YOU​ should suffer for the sake of righteousness, ​YOU​ are happy. However, the object of their fear do not ​YOU​ fear, neither become agitated.¹⁵But sanctify the Christ as Lord in ​YOUR​ hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of ​YOU​ a reason for the hope in ​YOU, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.

¹⁶Hold a good conscience, so that in the particular in which ​YOU​ are spoken against they may get ashamed who are speaking slightingly of ​YOUR​ good conduct in connection with Christ.¹⁷For it is better to suffer because ​YOU​ are doing good, if the will of God wishes it, than because ​YOU​ are doing evil.¹⁸Why, even Christ died once for all time concerning sins, a righteous [person] for unrighteous ones, that he might lead ​YOU​ to God, he being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit.¹⁹In this [state] also he went his way and preached to the spirits in prison,²⁰who had once been disobedient when the patience of God was waiting in Noah’s days, while the ark was being constructed, in which a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water.

²¹That which corresponds to this is also now saving ​YOU, namely, baptism, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the request made to God for a good conscience,) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.²²He is at God’s right hand, for he went his way to heaven; and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him.