12 Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. 15 For it is God's will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a covering for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are overbearing. 19 For a man is approved if, mindful of God, he bears up under pain while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it, if when you do wrong and are beaten for it you patiently endure? But if when you do right and suffer for it you patiently endure, you have favor with God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth;" 23 when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he uttered no threats, but he trusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 3 1 You wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see your chaste and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely outwardóbraiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on fine clothing; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God's sight. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, and were submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and are not frightened by any fear. 7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with honor as the weaker partner, since you are joint heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. 8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble in spirit. 9 Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but give a blessing instead; for to this you were called, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, "He who would love life