31 In the same way , you wives , be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word , they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives , 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior . 3 Your adornment must not be merely external -braiding the hair , and wearing gold jewelry , or putting on dresses ; 4 but let it 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 . 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also , who hoped in God , used to adorn themselves , being submissive to their own husbands ; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham , calling him lord , and you have become her children if you do what is right without e being frightened by any fear . 7 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 .
8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious , sympathetic , brotherly , kindhearted , and humble in spirit ; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult , but giving a blessing instead ; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing . 10 For, " THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE , TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS , MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT . 11 " HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD ; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. 12 " FOR THE EYES OF THE Lord ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS , AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER , BUT THE FACE OF THE Lord IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL ." 13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good ? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness , you are blessed . AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION , AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED , 15 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, yet with gentleness and reverence ;
16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered , those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame . 17 For it is better , if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong .
18 For Christ also died for sins once for all , the just for the unjust , so that He might bring us to God , having been put to death in the flesh , but made alive in the spirit ; 19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison , 20 who once were disobedient , when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah , during the construction of the ark , in which a few , that is, eight persons , were brought safely through the water .
21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you- not the removal of dirt from the flesh , but an appeal to God for a good conscience -through the resurrection of Jesus Christ , 22 who is at the right hand of God , having gone into heaven , after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.
