1 Peter 3:9-17

New International Version

⁹Do not repay evil with evil^(A) or insult with insult.^(B) On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,^(C) because to this^(D) you were called^(E) so that you may inherit a blessing.^(F) ¹⁰For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
¹¹They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
¹²For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”^[a]^(G)

¹³Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?^(H) ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(I) “Do not fear their threats^[b]; do not be frightened.”^[c]^(J) ¹⁵But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(K) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(L) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience,^(M) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(N) ¹⁷For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(O) to suffer for doing good^(P) than for doing evil.