1 Peter 3:10
What does 1 Peter 3:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 3:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 3:10 means
Peter quotes Scripture to show that a good life under God includes disciplined speech. To “love life and see good days” requires restraining the tongue from evil and deceit. Words shape relationships and often escalate conflict; guarding them is an act of faith that God’s way leads to blessing. The verse challenges believers to speak truthfully, avoiding slander, manipulation, and exaggeration. This is not mere self-help; it is a path of reverence, acknowledging that God hears every word. Clean speech creates space for peace, builds trust, and reflects a conscience aligned with God. The mouth becomes a servant of life, not a weapon, as we seek the “good days” defined by obedience rather than ease.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile:
KJV
King James Version · 1611For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For it is said, Let the man who has a love of life, desiring to see good days, keep his tongue from evil and his lips from words of deceit:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for `he who is willing to love life, and to see good days, let him guard his tongue from evil, and his lips--not to speak guile;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For he that will love life and see good days, let him cause his tongue to cease from evil and his lips that they speak no guile.
Context
This verse begins Peter’s citation from Scripture (continued in verses 11–12) to reinforce his call not to retaliate but to bless (verse 9). By focusing first on speech, he addresses a primary arena of sin and conflict. The flow shows that enjoying God’s kind of life involves turning from harmful words. Verse 11 will broaden the counsel to actions—turning from evil, doing good, and actively pursuing peace—while verse 12 will ground the whole appeal in God’s watchful care for the righteous and His stance against evildoers. This scriptural support strengthens the church’s resolve amid pressures.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 106:5
That I may see the prosperity of thy chosen, That I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, That I may glory with thine inheritance.
- Psalms 49:19
He shall go to the generation of his fathers; They shall never see the light.
- Proverbs 8:35
For whoso findeth me findeth life, And shall obtain favor of Jehovah.
- Job 2:4
And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
- John 12:25
He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
- 1 Peter 2:1
Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
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