1 I n the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word;

2 s eeing your pure behavior in fear.

3 L et your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing;

4 b ut in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious.

5 F or this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:

6 a s Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.

7 Y ou husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.

8 F inally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tender hearted, courteous,

9 n ot rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.

10 F or, “He who would love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.

11 L et him turn away from evil, and do good. Let him seek peace, and pursue it.

12 F or the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

13 N ow who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good?

14 B ut even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “Don’t fear what they fear, neither be troubled.”

15 B ut sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:

16 h aving a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ.

17 F or it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.

18 B ecause Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

19 i n which he also went and preached to the spirits in prison,

20 w ho before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

21 T his is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22 w ho is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.