1 Peter 3:10
Verse
Context
Turning from Evil
9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
Sermons
Aaron Hurst
Chuck Smith
John Gill
Thomas Brooks
St. John Chrysostom
Richard E. BieberSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he that will love life - This is a quotation from Psa 34:12-16, as it stands in the Septuagint; only the aorist of the imperative is changed from the second into the third person, etc. He who wishes to live long and prosperously, must act as he is here directed. 1. He must refrain from evil-speaking, lying, and slandering. 2. He must avoid flattery and fair speeches, which cover hypocritical or wicked intentions. 3. He must avoid evil, keep going away εκκλινατω, from evil. 4. He must do good; he must walk in the way of righteousness. 5. He must live peaceably with all men; seek peace where it has been lost; restore it where it has been broken; and pursue it where it seems to be flying away. He who lives thus must live happy in himself. And as excess in action and passion always tends to the shortening of life, and nothing preys on the constitution more than disorderly passions, he must live not only happiest but longest who avoids them. It is an edifying story that is told in the book Mussar, chap. 1., quoted by Rosenmuller: "A certain person, travelling through the city, continued to call out, Who wants the elixir of life? The daughter of Rabbi Joda heard him, and told her father. He said, Call the man in. When he came in, the rabbi said, What is that elixir of life thou sellest? He answered, Is it not written, What man is he that loveth life, and desireth to see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile? This is the elixir of life, and is found in the mouth of man."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
will love--Greek, "wishes to love." He who loves life (present and eternal), and desires to continue to do so, not involving himself in troubles which will make this life a burden, and cause him to forfeit eternal life. Peter confirms his exhortation, Pe1 3:9, by Psa 34:12-16. refrain--curb, literally, "cause to cease"; implying that our natural inclination and custom is to speak evil. "Men commonly think that they would be exposed to the wantonness of their enemies if they did not strenuously vindicate their rights. But the Spirit promises a life of blessedness to none but those who are gentle and patient of evils" [CALVIN]. evil . . . guile--First he warns against sins of the tongue, evil-speaking, and deceitful, double-tongued speaking; next, against acts of injury to one's neighbor.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he that will love life,.... This, with what follows here and in the two next verses, are taken out of Psa 34:12 and are produced as a proof of what is before said; that it is a good man's duty not to do or speak evil in return for what is done or said to him; but on the contrary, it becomes him to avoid evil, do good, and seek peace as much as possible, and leave it with a righteous God to vindicate him and his cause, who will not fail to do it; and that such shall inherit the blessing both here and hereafter: in the psalm, these words are put by way of question, "what man is he that desireth life?" that wills it with pleasure, that loves it with a love of complacency and delight? and which is to be understood, not of natural life; for what man is there that do not love that? love of a natural life is natural to men; it is a first principle in nature to desire life, and a preservation of it, and to a great length; a man will give all that he has for it, as Satan said, Job 2:4, but both of a spiritual life, a life of faith on Christ, communion with him, and holiness from him; the life of God, or to live soberly, righteously, and godly, which carnal men are alienated from, and enemies to, and cannot desire, only spiritual men; and of an eternal one; and so some of the Jewish interpreters (u) understand by life and good days, in the psalm, such as are both in this world, and in that which is to come: and see good days; not the days of this life, which are evil, even the days of a good man, Gen 47:9 and the more so, the longer he lives; for the days of old age are evil days, in which there is no pleasure, Ecc 12:1, unless such days are meant, in which much good is done to the honour and glory of God, and in which gracious souls enjoy much of God, and see and taste of his grace and goodness in the land of the living; though, rather, the good days of eternity, even length of days for ever and ever, which holy men of God shall see, and enjoy in the other world, when they shall be possessed of fulness of joy, and of pleasure for evermore: in the psalm it is, "and loveth many days, that he may see good"; desires a blessed eternity of good things: let him refrain his tongue from evil; bridle that unruly member, which has a world of iniquity in it; let him keep it as with a bit, from the vices incident to it; from all obscene words, filthy and corrupt communication, whatever is unsavoury and unedifying; from lying, cursing, swearing, and particularly from railing and evil speaking, in return for such language, which is chiefly meant; as well as from belching out blasphemies against God, and damnable heresies among men; for whoever would be thought a religious man, and lays no restraint on his tongue, his religion is a vain thing, Jam 1:26 and his lips that they speak no guile; as flatterers do, who speak that with their mouth which does not agree with their heart, and so beguile and deceive persons; and as false teachers, who use dishonest arts, walk in craftiness, handle the word of God deceitfully, use ambiguous phrases, and words of double meaning, and with their good words, and fair speeches, deceive the hearts of the simple but such things do not become persons that seek for glory, honour, and immortality; that profess to be Israelites indeed; in these guile should not be found in their lips, nor in their lives, (u) Kimchi in Psal. xxxiv. 17.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10-12 Peter underscores the relationship between conduct and blessing by quoting Ps 34:12-16. This psalm is prominent in early Christian teaching (see also 1 Pet 2:3; Heb 12:14). The text focuses on curbing sins of speech, resisting evil, and doing good. It also highlights the promise of blessing for obedience.
1 Peter 3:10
Turning from Evil
9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Vision of My Mission (Field)—part 1
By Aaron Hurst2.6K1:24:46Purpose Of LifeGEN 2:24PSA 40:2PRO 29:18EPH 5:251PE 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear mission and vision in life. He asks thought-provoking questions about the purpose of our existence and the goals we have as individuals. The speaker highlights that as Christians, our ultimate mission is to glorify God and exalt Him in all aspects of our lives. He also discusses the mission within marriage, emphasizing the importance of loving our spouses as Christ loves the church. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing his excitement about the vision and steps towards fulfilling it that he has seen within the church community.
The Good Life
By Chuck Smith1.4K28:32PSA 34:121PE 3:10This sermon from 1 Peter chapter 3 focuses on the concept of living the 'good life' as outlined in Psalms 34 and Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the importance of refraining from evil speech, avoiding deceit, shunning evil, doing good, seeking peace, and trusting in God's provision and care. The message highlights the struggles with evil and the need for divine intervention to overcome it, leading to a life of fellowship with God and experiencing His watchful eye, provision, and answered prayers.
1 Peter 3:10
By John Gill0Righteous LivingThe Power of WordsJOB 2:4PSA 34:12ECC 12:1JAS 1:261PE 3:10John Gill emphasizes the importance of loving life through righteous living as outlined in 1 Peter 3:10. He explains that true love for life involves avoiding evil, doing good, and seeking peace, trusting in God for vindication. Gill highlights that this love is not merely for physical existence but encompasses a spiritual and eternal life filled with holiness and communion with God. He warns against the dangers of an unbridled tongue, urging believers to refrain from speaking evil and to embody sincerity in their words and actions. Ultimately, those who live righteously will inherit blessings both in this life and the next.
A Detestable, Stinking Weed
By Thomas Brooks0TruthfulnessLyingPSA 119:163PRO 6:16PRO 12:22PRO 13:5ZEC 8:16JHN 8:44EPH 4:25COL 3:91PE 3:10REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the destructive nature of lying, identifying Satan as the father of lies and the originator of sin. He explains that lying not only reflects the character of the devil but also corrupts those who engage in it, making them resemble him. Brooks asserts that true believers, who fear the Lord, detest lying and strive to distance themselves from it, recognizing it as a vile and detestable sin. He encourages the faithful to abhor lying in themselves and others, highlighting the importance of truth in the life of a righteous person.
If Any Man Offend Not in Word, the Same Is a Perfect Man
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual MaturityThe Power of WordsPSA 19:14PRO 18:21PRO 21:23ECC 3:7MAT 12:37MAT 15:11EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 1:261PE 3:10A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound impact of speech as a defining characteristic of humanity, asserting that the way we communicate reveals our true character. He warns that failing to control one's tongue indicates an unsanctified spirit, while mastering our words signifies spiritual maturity and alignment with the Holy Spirit. Simpson illustrates the consequences of careless speech through the example of Moses, whose unguarded words cost him the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. He concludes that our words have eternal significance, as they can justify or condemn us before God.
Homily 8 on the Statues
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 1:1GEN 3:8PRO 4:23PRO 28:1ISA 30:21MAT 5:341CO 10:13HEB 4:12JAS 5:121PE 3:10John Chrysostom delivers a sermon exhorting virtue, emphasizing the importance of abstaining from oaths. He reflects on the comforting aspects of Scripture, highlighting how God's creation and providence offer lessons for daily life. Chrysostom delves into the story of God walking in Paradise, explaining the deeper spiritual meaning behind Adam's perception. He contrasts the nature of sin, which breeds fear and suspicion, with the boldness and strength of the righteous, exemplified by figures like Elijah and Paul. The preacher urges the congregation to prioritize the health of their souls, emphasizing the ease of spiritual healing compared to physical ailments, and warns against the dangers of neglecting the soul's well-being.
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 5:3LUK 2:13ACT 10:34EPH 2:131PE 3:10Richard E. Bieber preaches on the significance of being peacemakers, who bring the peace of God into this troubled world. He emphasizes that peacemakers, like Jesus, may bring disruption and division, yet they impart God's peace to the broken and wounded. The sermon delves into the contrast between the war-ridden reality of this world and the underlying peace of heaven, symbolized by the sea of glass in Revelations. It highlights the transformative power of God's peace in changing atmospheres and hearts, urging believers to pursue, let rule, and proclaim this peace.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he that will love life - This is a quotation from Psa 34:12-16, as it stands in the Septuagint; only the aorist of the imperative is changed from the second into the third person, etc. He who wishes to live long and prosperously, must act as he is here directed. 1. He must refrain from evil-speaking, lying, and slandering. 2. He must avoid flattery and fair speeches, which cover hypocritical or wicked intentions. 3. He must avoid evil, keep going away εκκλινατω, from evil. 4. He must do good; he must walk in the way of righteousness. 5. He must live peaceably with all men; seek peace where it has been lost; restore it where it has been broken; and pursue it where it seems to be flying away. He who lives thus must live happy in himself. And as excess in action and passion always tends to the shortening of life, and nothing preys on the constitution more than disorderly passions, he must live not only happiest but longest who avoids them. It is an edifying story that is told in the book Mussar, chap. 1., quoted by Rosenmuller: "A certain person, travelling through the city, continued to call out, Who wants the elixir of life? The daughter of Rabbi Joda heard him, and told her father. He said, Call the man in. When he came in, the rabbi said, What is that elixir of life thou sellest? He answered, Is it not written, What man is he that loveth life, and desireth to see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile? This is the elixir of life, and is found in the mouth of man."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
will love--Greek, "wishes to love." He who loves life (present and eternal), and desires to continue to do so, not involving himself in troubles which will make this life a burden, and cause him to forfeit eternal life. Peter confirms his exhortation, Pe1 3:9, by Psa 34:12-16. refrain--curb, literally, "cause to cease"; implying that our natural inclination and custom is to speak evil. "Men commonly think that they would be exposed to the wantonness of their enemies if they did not strenuously vindicate their rights. But the Spirit promises a life of blessedness to none but those who are gentle and patient of evils" [CALVIN]. evil . . . guile--First he warns against sins of the tongue, evil-speaking, and deceitful, double-tongued speaking; next, against acts of injury to one's neighbor.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he that will love life,.... This, with what follows here and in the two next verses, are taken out of Psa 34:12 and are produced as a proof of what is before said; that it is a good man's duty not to do or speak evil in return for what is done or said to him; but on the contrary, it becomes him to avoid evil, do good, and seek peace as much as possible, and leave it with a righteous God to vindicate him and his cause, who will not fail to do it; and that such shall inherit the blessing both here and hereafter: in the psalm, these words are put by way of question, "what man is he that desireth life?" that wills it with pleasure, that loves it with a love of complacency and delight? and which is to be understood, not of natural life; for what man is there that do not love that? love of a natural life is natural to men; it is a first principle in nature to desire life, and a preservation of it, and to a great length; a man will give all that he has for it, as Satan said, Job 2:4, but both of a spiritual life, a life of faith on Christ, communion with him, and holiness from him; the life of God, or to live soberly, righteously, and godly, which carnal men are alienated from, and enemies to, and cannot desire, only spiritual men; and of an eternal one; and so some of the Jewish interpreters (u) understand by life and good days, in the psalm, such as are both in this world, and in that which is to come: and see good days; not the days of this life, which are evil, even the days of a good man, Gen 47:9 and the more so, the longer he lives; for the days of old age are evil days, in which there is no pleasure, Ecc 12:1, unless such days are meant, in which much good is done to the honour and glory of God, and in which gracious souls enjoy much of God, and see and taste of his grace and goodness in the land of the living; though, rather, the good days of eternity, even length of days for ever and ever, which holy men of God shall see, and enjoy in the other world, when they shall be possessed of fulness of joy, and of pleasure for evermore: in the psalm it is, "and loveth many days, that he may see good"; desires a blessed eternity of good things: let him refrain his tongue from evil; bridle that unruly member, which has a world of iniquity in it; let him keep it as with a bit, from the vices incident to it; from all obscene words, filthy and corrupt communication, whatever is unsavoury and unedifying; from lying, cursing, swearing, and particularly from railing and evil speaking, in return for such language, which is chiefly meant; as well as from belching out blasphemies against God, and damnable heresies among men; for whoever would be thought a religious man, and lays no restraint on his tongue, his religion is a vain thing, Jam 1:26 and his lips that they speak no guile; as flatterers do, who speak that with their mouth which does not agree with their heart, and so beguile and deceive persons; and as false teachers, who use dishonest arts, walk in craftiness, handle the word of God deceitfully, use ambiguous phrases, and words of double meaning, and with their good words, and fair speeches, deceive the hearts of the simple but such things do not become persons that seek for glory, honour, and immortality; that profess to be Israelites indeed; in these guile should not be found in their lips, nor in their lives, (u) Kimchi in Psal. xxxiv. 17.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10-12 Peter underscores the relationship between conduct and blessing by quoting Ps 34:12-16. This psalm is prominent in early Christian teaching (see also 1 Pet 2:3; Heb 12:14). The text focuses on curbing sins of speech, resisting evil, and doing good. It also highlights the promise of blessing for obedience.