1Likewise , ye wives , be in subjection to your own husbands ; that , if any obey not the word , they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives ; 2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear . 3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair , and of wearing of gold , or of putting on of apparel ; 4But let it be the hidden man of the heart , in that which is not corruptible , even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit , which is in the sight of God of great price . 5For after this manner in the old time the holy women also , who trusted in God , adorned themselves , being in subjection unto their own husbands : 6Even as Sara obeyed Abraham , calling him lord : whose daughters ye are , as long as ye do well , and are not afraid with any amazement . 7Likewise , ye husbands , dwell with them according to knowledge , giving honour unto the wife , as unto the weaker vessel , and as being heirs together of the grace of life ; that your prayers be not hindered .
Suffering for Righteousness' Sake
8Finally , be ye all of one mind , having compassion one of another , love as brethren , be pitiful , be courteous : 9Not rendering evil for evil , or railing for railing : but contrariwise blessing ; knowing that ye are thereunto called , that ye should inherit a blessing . 10For he that will love life , and see good days , let him refrain his tongue from evil , and his lips that they speak no guile : 11Let him eschew evil , and do good ; let him seek peace , and ensue it . 12For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous , and his ears are open unto their prayers : but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil .
Christ's Example and the Call to Endure
13And who is he that will harm you , if ye be followers of that which is good ? 14But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake , happy are ye : and be not afraid of their terror , neither be troubled ; 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts : and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear : 16Having a good conscience ; that , whereas they speak evil of you , as of evildoers , they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ . 17For it is better , if the will of God be so , that ye suffer for well doing , than for evil doing . 18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins , the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God , being put to death in the flesh , but quickened by the Spirit : 19By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison ; 20Which sometime were disobedient , when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah , while the ark was a preparing , wherein few , that is , eight souls were saved by water . 21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us ( not the putting away of the filth of the flesh , but the answer of a good conscience toward God ,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ : 22Who is gone into heaven , and is on the right hand of God ; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him .