MSB 1 PET Chapter 3

Wives and Husbands

(Song of Solomon 1:1–17, Ephesians 5:22–33)

3 Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to [your] husbands, so that even if [they] refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of [their] wives 2 when they see your pure [and] reverent demeanor.

3 [Your beauty] {should} not come [from] outward adornment, [such as] braided hair or gold [jewelry] or fine clothes, 4 but from the inner disposition of [your] heart, the unfading [ beauty ] of a gentle and quiet[fn] spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. 5 For this is how the holy women of the past adorned themselves. They put their hope in God [and] were submissive to [their] husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham [and] called him lord. [And] you are [her] children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear.

7 Husbands, in the same way, dwell with [your] wives in an understanding manner. Treat them with honor as a delicate vessel and as fellow heirs of [the] gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Turning from Evil

8 Finally, all [of you], [be] like-minded [and] sympathetic, love as brothers, [be] tenderhearted [and] courteous.[fn] 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, knowing that[fn] to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips [from] deceitful speech.

11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

12 For [the] eyes of [the] Lord [are] on [the] righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But [the] face of [the] Lord [is] against those who do evil.”[fn]

13 Who can harm you if you are imitators of[fn] what [is] good?

Suffering for Righteousness

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, [you are] blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”[fn] 15 But in your hearts sanctify [the] Lord God.[fn] Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope [that is] in you. But [respond] with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you as evildoers[fn] may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. 17 For [it is] better, if [it is] God’s will, to suffer [for] doing good than for doing evil.

18 For Christ also suffered[fn] for sins once for all, [the] righteous for [the] unrighteous, to bring you[fn] to God. He was put to death in [the] body but made alive in [the] Spirit, 19 in whom[fn] He also went [and] preached to the spirits in prison

20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in [the] days of Noah [while the] ark was being built. In [the ark] a few [people], [only] eight souls, were saved through water. 21 And [this water] symbolizes [the] baptism [that] now saves us {also}[fn]—not the removal of dirt from the body, but [the] pledge of[fn] a clear conscience toward God—through [the] resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven [and] is at [the] right hand of God, [with] angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.