1 Peter 3:10-12: Dimensions of a Godly Life

The Apostle Peter describes Christians as a positive influence in society. Instead of being contentious and rebellious, Peter says we are to be a “blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Pet 3:9 KJV).

Peter says Christians are called to be a blessing. Similarly, God told Abraham that in his “seed” all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Gen 22:18; cf. Gen 12:3). This “seed” promise is regarded by the inspired Apostle Paul as a reference to Christ (Gal 3:16), and consequently to those who follow the Christian faith (Gal 3:26-29). Thus, Christians and the redemptive message they bring will bless the world (Matt 28:19-20; cf. Rom 10:13-15).

To prove that God’s people are to behave godly, Peter quotes Psalm 34:12-15:

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: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For 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. (1 Peter 3:10–12)

An important key in understanding the passage is to recognize Hebrew poetry, which focuses more upon a “rhythm of thought” rather than a framework of rhyme.[1]

The brief comments which follow are reflections on this noble passage.

He that will love life, and see good days

A person who loves life is the same person who will see good days. Among all of God’s creations, humans alone have this intense desire to see life for its peaceful and enjoyable possibilities.

Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: In order to obtain the good life, immoral conduct which we accomplish through the lips must be stopped. The limerick still rings true which says: “What a tangle web we weave, when once we practice to deceive.” The tongue is dangerous.

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue [pursue] it

A lover of the good life seeks goodness and peace and will do all that is necessary to obtain these valuable things in life. Evil is never to be pursued.

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers

There is a connection between how a person lives and how a person stands before God. If a person lives right, the verse indicates that the Lord is more inclined to help us in a way that demonstrates his particular care.

But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil

This is a reference to condemnation. It is the Lord’s face that is against evil-doers. An evil-doer is anyone who practices sin, so there may be times even Christians may fall into this situation.

When Peter quotes this passage from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, he is giving us several reasons for living right. (1) the quality of life is better, (2) life is without immorality, (3) life is free from evil, (4) God’s inheritance of blessings is on us for living right, and (5) God will condemn the ungodly.