1 Peter 3 10

1 Peter 3:10 kjv

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

1 Peter 3:10 nkjv

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

1 Peter 3:10 niv

For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.

1 Peter 3:10 esv

For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

1 Peter 3:10 nlt

For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life
and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies.

1 Peter 3 verses

1 Peter 3 10 Meaning

The verse presents a profound connection between one's verbal conduct and the experience of a flourishing, blessed life. Drawing from Psalm 34, it states that anyone who genuinely desires to live a life full of purpose, satisfaction, and divine favor—often referred to as "good days" in the biblical sense—must diligently guard their tongue from speaking evil and their lips from uttering deceitful words. It establishes a cause-and-effect principle: the quality of one's days is intrinsically linked to the purity and truthfulness of their speech, especially within the context of Christian suffering and responding to hostility.

1 Peter 3 10 Context

1 Peter chapter 3 guides believers on how to live righteously amidst societal hostility and suffering, particularly within various relational contexts (wives to husbands, husbands to wives). This specific verse, 1 Peter 3:10, along with verses 11 and 12, serves as the biblical foundation or rationale (introduced by "For") for the ethical conduct exhorted in verse 9: "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." Peter quotes Psalm 34:12-16 to justify and reinforce his instruction for Christians to maintain a high moral standard, especially in speech, even when wronged or persecuted. The historical context is that of early Christians living as a minority, often facing slander, social ostracization, and state persecution within a pagan Roman empire. Their conduct, particularly their non-retaliatory and truthful speech, served as a powerful testimony and an active defiance of common retaliatory practices, allowing them to truly "see good days" not in the sense of worldly comfort, but in experiencing God's favor and peace in spite of outward affliction.

1 Peter 3 10 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding statement in verse 9 ("Do not repay evil for evil..."). It signals that the following quote from Psalm 34 provides the theological underpinning for the command.
• whoever (ὁ θέλων - ho thelōn): Literally, "the one desiring" or "the one wishing." It is not a passive or accidental state but highlights a conscious choice and genuine aspiration. It suggests an active yearning for the good life God offers.
• loves life (ἀγαπῶν ζωὴν - agapōn zōēn): "Loves" here is agapao, implying a deep, abiding, and active affection. "Life" (ζωὴ - zōē) refers not just to biological existence (bios) but to the quality of life, fullness of life, true abundant living that God provides (cf. Jn 10:10). It signifies human flourishing, well-being, and blessedness.
• and sees good days (καὶ ἰδεῖν ἡμέρας ἀγαθὰς - kai idein hēmeras agathas): "Sees" means to experience or perceive. "Good days" (hēmeras agathas) is a Hebraism reflecting a time of prosperity, favor, peace, and general well-being. In the context of 1 Peter's emphasis on suffering, "good days" does not primarily mean material wealth or absence of tribulation, but rather a sense of God's blessing, peace, and purpose that transcends external circumstances, a favor even in suffering. It speaks of a flourishing of spirit, peace of mind, and ultimately eternal life with God.
• let him keep (παυσάτω - pausatō): An imperative verb in the middle voice, meaning "let him cause to cease" or "let him stop." It's a strong command to actively prevent or halt a specific action. This implies self-control and intentional effort.
• his tongue from evil (τὴν γλῶσσαν ἀπὸ κακοῦ - tēn glōssan apo kakou): "Tongue" (glōssa) is a synecdoche for speech or verbal communication. "Evil" (kakou) refers to that which is harmful, morally bad, malicious, or destructive, whether in content (false witness, slander) or intent (reviling).
• and his lips from speaking deceit (καὶ τὰ χείλη αὐτοῦ τοῦ μὴ λαλῆσαι δόλον - kai ta cheilē autou tou mē lalēsai dolon): This phrase acts as a parallel structure, intensifying the previous command and providing more specific instruction. "Lips" (cheilē) also represent speech. "Speaking deceit" (lalesai dolon) specifically targets falsehood, trickery, cunning, or malice conveyed through words, designed to harm or mislead.

Words-group analysis:

• "Whoever loves life and sees good days": This clause sets the condition for the promise. It highlights a universal human desire for a good life, which Peter (via Ps 34) aligns with a life lived in accordance with God's will. The emphasis is on internal desire matched by external action.
• "Let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit": This forms the primary action required to fulfill the condition. It specifically targets speech as a critical area for moral control, suggesting that uncontrolled or malicious speech is a significant barrier to experiencing the "good days" of God's favor. The pairing of "tongue" and "lips" along with "evil" and "deceit" emphasizes comprehensive verbal purity and integrity. The immediate practical application in Peter's context would be to refrain from retaliatory verbal abuse and slander when facing persecution.

1 Peter 3 10 Bonus section

The selection of Psalm 34:12-16 by Peter is significant because this Psalm is attributed to David when he feigned madness before Abimelech (Achish) to escape death (1 Sam 21:10-15). It is a psalm born out of an experience of deep distress and seeking refuge in God. Thus, the wisdom imparted about guarding the tongue and seeking peace becomes even more poignant for a community undergoing various trials and slander, underscoring that genuine "life" and "good days" are found in righteous conduct and trust in God, even when facing threat or injustice, just as David did. The theme of God's watchful eye being upon the righteous (implied in "good days" and made explicit in v. 12) assures believers that their non-retaliatory and pure speech is observed and honored by the Almighty, who will ultimately vindicate them.

1 Peter 3 10 Commentary

1 Peter 3:10 encapsulates a vital principle for Christian living: the pursuit of a blessed and meaningful life (symbolized by "good days") is inextricably linked to diligent self-control over one's speech. Peter quotes Psalm 34 to ground this command in Old Testament wisdom, reinforcing that God's favor rests upon those who are righteous, a righteousness particularly demonstrated in their verbal interactions. This isn't merely about abstaining from profanity, but about actively avoiding malicious, slanderous, false, or divisive words—especially crucial when believers are facing antagonism or persecution. The "good days" promised are not a guarantee of worldly ease or freedom from suffering, as Peter's readers were enduring significant hardship. Instead, they signify the deep inner peace, spiritual flourishing, and divine blessing that result from a conscience clear before God, despite external tribulations. Living out this principle—responding with blessing rather than reviling (as stated in v. 9)—becomes a powerful witness and a testament to the transformative power of Christ, enabling believers to experience God's abundant life even in difficult circumstances. This call to verbal integrity shapes not just individual conduct but also communal health and evangelistic impact.