章 |
3:1 |
In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any [of them] are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives,
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3:2 |
as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
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3:3 |
And let not your adornment be [merely] external-- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;
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3:4 |
but [let it be] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
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3:5 |
For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands.
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3:6 |
Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
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3:7 |
You husbands likewise, live with [your wives] in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
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3:8 |
To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
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3:9 |
not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
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3:10 |
For, "Let him who means to love life and see good days Refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile.
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3:11 |
"And let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.
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3:12 |
"For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
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3:13 |
And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?
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3:14 |
But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,
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3:15 |
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always [being] ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
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3:16 |
and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
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3:17 |
For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
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3:18 |
For Christ also died for sins once for all, [the] just for [the] unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
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3:19 |
in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits [now] in prison,
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3:20 |
who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through [the] water.
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3:21 |
And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
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3:22 |
who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.
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