¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(A) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(B)

¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds^(A) and glorify God^(B) on the day he visits us.

¹⁸ Pray for us.^(A) We are sure that we have a clear conscience^(B) and desire to live honorably in every way.

¹⁵ For it is God’s will^(A) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.^(B)

⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.^(A)

¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.^(A)

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you,^(A) persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.^(B)

²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(A) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(B) toward God.^[a] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^(C)

⁵ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart^(A) and a good conscience^(B) and a sincere faith.^(C)

¹⁶ So I strive always to keep my conscience clear^(A) before God and man.