1 Peter 3:16

¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Having {G2192} a good {G18} conscience {G4893}; that {G2443}, whereas {G1722}{G3739} they speak evil {G2635} of you {G5216}, as {G5613} of evildoers {G2555}, they may be ashamed {G2617} that falsely accuse {G1908} your {G5216} good {G18} conversation {G391} in {G1722} Christ {G5547}.

keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are spoken against, those who abuse the good behavior flowing from your union with the Messiah may be put to shame.

keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.

1 Peter 3:16 (KJV) instructs believers on how to respond to false accusations and slander, emphasizing the power of a consistent, godly lifestyle. It encourages Christians to maintain inner integrity so that their outward conduct discredits those who speak evil of them.

Context

This verse is part of Peter’s broader teaching on living a holy life amidst suffering and persecution. Following his call to be ready to give a defense for their hope, Peter addresses the reality that Christians often faced slander and false charges from a hostile world. He encourages believers to endure these trials not with retaliation, but with an unwavering commitment to good works and a clear conscience, building on the idea of suffering for righteousness' sake.

Key Themes

  • Integrity of Conscience: The verse highlights the foundational importance of an inner moral compass, a "good conscience," which is pure and blameless before God. This internal state guides outward actions.
  • Response to Slander: Believers are taught not to retaliate against false accusations but to let their consistent, godly behavior be the defense. Their conduct should contradict the lies spoken against them.
  • The Power of Godly Conduct: A life lived "in Christ" with integrity serves as a powerful witness. It has the potential to silence critics and bring shame to those who falsely accuse, demonstrating the truth of the believer's walk.
  • Vindication through Steadfastness: Ultimately, God vindicates His people through their faithful endurance. The shame falls upon the accusers, not the accused, as their maliciousness is exposed by the Christian's steadfast goodness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "good conversation" is an archaic translation of the Greek word anastrophē (ἀναστροφή), which means 'conduct,' 'behavior,' or 'way of life.' It refers not to what one says in conversation, but to one's entire manner of living. Thus, the verse emphasizes that it is the Christian's consistent, righteous lifestyle "in Christ" that refutes false accusations. The "good conscience" (Greek: syneidesis agathē) refers to an inner awareness of moral purity and blamelessness before God, akin to Paul's commitment to always having a conscience void of offence.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 3:16 offers timeless guidance:

  1. Maintain Inner Integrity: Prioritize a clear conscience and a pure heart before God, knowing that true righteousness begins internally.
  2. Let Your Conduct Speak: When faced with criticism, misunderstanding, or false accusations, resist the urge to immediately defend or retaliate. Instead, let your consistent, Christ-like behavior be your most powerful testimony.
  3. Trust God for Vindication: Understand that living faithfully and honorably, even under duress, can expose the malice of accusers and bring them shame, not through human effort, but through the inherent truth of a life lived for Christ. This aligns with Jesus' teaching to let your light so shine before men.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 2:12

    Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  • Hebrews 13:18

    ¶ Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

  • 1 Peter 2:15

    For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

  • Titus 2:8

    Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

  • Matthew 5:11

    Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

  • 1 Peter 2:19

    For this [is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

  • 1 Timothy 1:5

    ¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:
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