1You 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, 2when they see your chaste and respectful behavior. 3Your adornment must not be merely outward—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on fine clothing; 4but 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. 5For 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; 6just 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. 7Husbands, 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. 8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble in spirit. 9Do 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. 10For, »He who would love lifeand see good daysmust keep his tongue from eviland his lips from speaking deceit. 11He must turn away from evil and do good;he must seek peace and pursue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteousand his ears are open to their prayer,but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.« 13Who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect; 16and keep a clear conscience, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God's will, than for doing wrong. 18For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; 19in which also he went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20who formerly did not obey, when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21And 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, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels and authorities and powers subject to him.