But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.

Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God on the day of visitation.

Honor Authority

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,

or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.

For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people.

Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh.

For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly.

For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

Christ Is Our Example

For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps,

He who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;

and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;

and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed.

For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Godly Living

In the same way, you wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives,

but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

For in this way the holy women of former times, who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands,

just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble;

For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.

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

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread,

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect;