1 Peter 3:10-13 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

He that will love life That would make life amiable and desirable; and see good days Namely, such as are prosperous and happy; let him refrain his tongue from evil From railing, back-biting, tale-bearing, from all rash and provoking expressions; and his lips that they speak no guile No deceit; nothing contrary to sincerity and simplicity. See on Psalms 32:2. In this and the following verses the apostle offers three arguments, of great importance, to induce men to the practice of piety and virtue: 1st, It secures the happiness both of the present and of the future life: 2d, It ensures the favour and protection of God, 1 Peter 3:12: 3d, It disarms the malice of men, 1 Peter 3:13. Let him eschew evil Εκκλινατω απο κακου, let him turn away from evil, of every kind, and from evil dispositions, as well as evil words and actions; and do good To the utmost extent of his power. Let him seek peace Endeavour, as much as in him lieth, to live peaceably with all men: and pursue it When it appears to flee from him. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous Are continually set upon them, to watch over and protect them; and his ears are open to their prayers Especially when they are in distress. But the face of the Lord His countenance, full of wrath and resentment; is against them that do evil Against all that live in known sin, whether high or low, rich or poor. And who is he that shall harm you That shall have the ability to do you any real harm; if ye be followers of that which is good Or imitators of the good One, as the original expression, του αγαθου μιμηται, may be rendered: that is, if you copy after the benevolence of your heavenly Father, and of his beloved Son, your great Master, whose whole life was so illustrious an example of the most diffusive generosity and goodness to his followers?