1 Peter 3:10

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:

For {G1063} he that will {G2309} love {G25} life {G2222}, and {G2532} see {G1492} good {G18} days {G2250}, let him refrain {G3973} his {G846} tongue {G1100} from {G575} evil {G2556}, and {G2532} his {G846} lips {G5491} that they speak {G2980} no {G3361} guile {G1388}:

For

“Whoever wants to love life and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit,

For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile:

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Peter 3:10 (KJV)

This verse, found within Peter's instruction on living righteously and responding to suffering, provides a direct link between the desire for a good life and the discipline of speech. It is a practical command rooted in wisdom literature, emphasizing the profound impact of our words on our experience and relationships.

Context

In the preceding verses (1 Peter 3:8-9), Peter calls believers to unity, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility, specifically urging them not to return evil for evil or railing for railing, but rather to bless others. Verse 10 introduces the *reason* or *motivation* for such conduct, drawing directly from the Old Testament. Peter is showing his audience that living a life characterized by good speech and righteous actions is the way to truly "love life, and see good days," echoing promises found in the Psalms.

Key Themes

  • The Desire for a Good Life: The verse acknowledges the natural human longing for happiness, longevity ("love life"), and prosperity or well-being ("see good days").
  • The Power of the Tongue: It starkly connects the fulfillment of this desire to the control of one's speech. The tongue is presented as a primary instrument that can either lead to good or hinder it.
  • Refraining from Evil Speech: Believers are commanded to actively hold back their tongue from speaking evil, which includes slander, harsh words, cursing, and destructive talk.
  • Avoiding Deceit (Guile): Lips must speak "no guile," meaning no deceit, trickery, hypocrisy, or dishonest words. This calls for sincerity and truthfulness in communication.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "For he that will love life, and see good days" is a direct quotation from Psalm 34:12-16, specifically Psalm 34:12-13 (KJV). Peter uses this well-known passage to anchor his instruction in the Hebrew scriptures, showing continuity between the Old and New Covenants regarding righteous living.

The word translated "refrain" (Greek: pausatō) means to cause to cease or stop. It implies a deliberate and active effort to halt evil speech.

"Guile" (Greek: dolos) refers to deceit, cunning, treachery, or trickery. It's the opposite of sincerity and truthfulness.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that our words have consequences. If we desire a life marked by peace, good relationships, and genuine well-being ("good days"), we must exercise discipline over what we say. This involves:

  • Thinking before speaking.
  • Avoiding gossip, slander, and critical language.
  • Speaking truthfully and honestly, even when difficult.
  • Using our speech to build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29).
  • Recognizing that uncontrolled speech can damage our reputation, relationships, and inner peace, directly hindering the very "good days" we seek.

Controlling the tongue is a significant challenge (as James 3:8 also highlights), but Peter, quoting the Psalm, presents it as a fundamental practice for those who genuinely wish to experience the fullness of life God intends.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 34:12 (73 votes)

    What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may see good?

  • Psalms 34:16 (73 votes)

    The face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

  • James 1:26 (17 votes)

    If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain.

  • 1 Peter 2:1 (11 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

  • 1 Peter 2:22 (11 votes)

    Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

  • Revelation 14:5 (9 votes)

    And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

  • John 1:47 (7 votes)

    Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!