1 Peter 3:10
New International Version
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.

New Living Translation
For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

English Standard Version
For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

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

Berean Literal Bible
For, "The one desiring to love life, and to see good days, let him keep the tongue from evil, and lips not to speak deceit.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.

New American Standard Bible
For, “THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT.

NASB 1995
For, “THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT.

NASB 1977
For, “LET HIM WHO MEANS TO LOVE LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS REFRAIN HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING GUILE.

Legacy Standard Bible
For, “THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT.

Amplified Bible
For, “THE ONE WHO WANTS TO ENJOY LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS [good—whether apparent or not], MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FREE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING GUILE (treachery, deceit).

Christian Standard Bible
For the one who wants to love life and to see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the one who wants to love life and to see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit,

American Standard Version
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:

Contemporary English Version
"Do you really love life? Do you want to be happy? Then stop saying cruel things and quit telling lies.

English Revised Version
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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"People who want to live a full life and enjoy good days must keep their tongues from saying evil things, and their lips from speaking deceitful things.

Good News Translation
As the scripture says, "If you want to enjoy life and wish to see good times, you must keep from speaking evil and stop telling lies.

International Standard Version
"For the person who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.

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

NET Bible
For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit.

New Heart English Bible
For, "He who would love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.

Webster's Bible Translation
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Weymouth New Testament
For "He who wishes to be well-satisfied with life and see happy days-- let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from deceitful words;

World English Bible
For, “He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for “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;

Berean Literal Bible
For, "The one desiring to love life, and to see good days, let him keep the tongue from evil, and lips not to speak deceit.

Young's Literal Translation
for '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;

Smith's Literal Translation
For he wishing to love life, and to see good days, let him cause his tongue to cease from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For whoever wants to love life and to see good days should restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips, so that they utter no deceit.

New American Bible
For: “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep the tongue from evil and the lips from speaking deceit,

New Revised Standard Version
For “Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now, therefore, he who desires eternal life and wants to see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Therefore, whoever desires life and loves to see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips that they do not speak deceit.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile:

Godbey New Testament
For let the one wishing to love life, and to see good days, cease his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile:

Haweis New Testament
“For he that would love life, and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile.

Mace New Testament
" He that desires to live in prosperity, must restrain his tongue from detraction, and his lips from uttering falsehood:

Weymouth New Testament
For "He who wishes to be well-satisfied with life and see happy days-- let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from deceitful words;

Worrell New Testament
For, "He who wishes to love life, and to see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile;

Worsley New Testament
"For he that would desire life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Turning from Evil
9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.…

Cross References
Psalm 34:12-16
Who is the man who delights in life, who desires to see good days? / Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. / Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. ...

James 3:2-12
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ...

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Proverbs 15:1-4
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. / The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. / The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. ...

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

James 1:19-20
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.


Treasury of Scripture

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:

he.

Psalm 34:12-16
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? …

love.

Deuteronomy 32:47
For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Job 2:4
And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

Proverbs 3:2,18
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee…

see.

Job 7:7,8
O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good…

Job 9:25
Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

Job 33:28
He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.

refrain.

James 1:26
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.

James 3:1-10
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation…

speak.

1 Peter 2:1,22
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, …

John 1:47
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

Revelation 14:5
And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Jump to Previous
Cause Cease Deceit Deceitful Desires Desiring Evil Good Guard Guile Happy Love Refrain Restrain Speak Speaking Tongue Willing Wishes Words
Jump to Next
Cause Cease Deceit Deceitful Desires Desiring Evil Good Guard Guile Happy Love Refrain Restrain Speak Speaking Tongue Willing Wishes Words
1 Peter 3
1. He teaches the duty of wives and husbands to each other;
8. exhorting all men to unity and love;
14. and to suffer persecution.
19. He declares also the benefits of Christ toward the old world.














For
This word introduces a reason or explanation, connecting the current verse to the preceding context. In 1 Peter 3, Peter is discussing the conduct of believers, emphasizing harmony, compassion, and humility. The word "For" indicates that what follows is a rationale for the behavior he advocates.

Whoever would love life
The phrase "would love life" suggests a desire for a fulfilling and meaningful existence. In the Greek, the word for "love" (agapao) implies a deep, committed affection. This is not merely about physical survival but about cherishing life as a gift from God, aligning with the biblical view that life is sacred and should be lived in accordance with divine principles.

and see good days
"See good days" refers to experiencing a life filled with blessings and well-being. The Greek word for "good" (agathos) encompasses moral goodness and beneficial outcomes. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of shalom, a state of peace and completeness. The promise of "good days" is contingent upon living in a way that honors God.

must keep his tongue from evil
The phrase "keep his tongue from evil" underscores the importance of self-control in speech. The Greek word for "keep" (pauo) means to stop or restrain. This echoes the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly Proverbs, which frequently warns against the destructive power of the tongue. In a historical context, speech was a primary means of influence and power, making its control vital for a righteous life.

and his lips from deceitful speech
"Deceitful speech" involves lying or misleading others. The Greek word for "deceitful" (dolos) implies trickery or cunning. This admonition aligns with the biblical call to truthfulness, as seen in the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus. In the early Christian community, integrity in communication was essential for maintaining trust and unity among believers.

(10) For.--St. Peter will show that he is not going beyond his book when he says that the blessing is only to be obtained by those who bless.

He that will love life.--The "will" here is not merely the future tense, but "he that hath a mind to love life." St. Peter's quotation, from Psalm 34:12-16, is not exact, according to either Septuagint or Hebrew, but the divergence is probably not due to a confusion of memory, but (as often) designed to bring out an additional significance. The Psalmist had asked merely, "What man is he that lusteth to live?" and he promises merely long life to self-restraint. The Apostle asks, Who cares to have a life worth having, a life which makes a man glad to live? This is the "blessing" spoken of in 1Peter 3:9--not simply everlasting life, but a life of unruffled happiness. (Comp. Psalm 133:3.) This healthy enjoyment of life, the opposite of a morbid craving for death (see Ecclesiastes 2:17), is implied to be competent for any person to attain who "wills."

"Serene will be our days, and bright,

And happy will our nature be, . . .

Verse 10. - For he that will love life; literally, he that willeth to love life. St. Peter deviates somewhat from the Septuagint Version of Psalm 34:12-16, which he is quoting. The literal rendering of it is, "What man is he that desireth life, loving good days?" His connection of the participle θέλων with ἀγαπᾶν is remarkable. Perhaps the meaning is best given by Bengel, "Qui vult ita vivere, nt ipsum non taedeat vitro" - " Who wishes to live so that he will not weary of life;" so that he may love it, so that he may have a life really worth living. There is a love of life which can only lead to the loss of the true life (John 12:25). St. Peter is teaching us to love life wisely, not with that selfish love which Christ condemns. And see good days. Not necessarily in outward prosperity, but in the favor of God; days of suffering may be good days in the truest souse. Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. We have here the usual parallelism of Hebrew poetry. The word "refrain" (παυσάτω, literally, "let him make it cease") implies a natural tendency to sins against charity.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For,
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

“Whoever
(Ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

would
θέλων (thelōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

love
ἀγαπᾶν (agapan)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 25: To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.

life
ζωὴν (zōēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

see
ἰδεῖν (idein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

good
ἀγαθὰς (agathas)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

days
ἡμέρας (hēmeras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

must keep
παυσάτω (pausatō)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3973: A primary verb; to stop, i.e. Restrain, quit, desist, come to an end.

[his]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

tongue
γλῶσσαν (glōssan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

evil
κακοῦ (kakou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2556: Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[his] lips
χείλη (cheilē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5491: From a form of the same as chasma; a lip; figuratively, a margin.

[from]
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

deceitful
δόλον (dolon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1388: Deceit, guile, treachery. From an obsolete primary verb, dello; a trick, i.e. wile.

speech.
λαλῆσαι (lalēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.


Links
1 Peter 3:10 NIV
1 Peter 3:10 NLT
1 Peter 3:10 ESV
1 Peter 3:10 NASB
1 Peter 3:10 KJV

1 Peter 3:10 BibleApps.com
1 Peter 3:10 Biblia Paralela
1 Peter 3:10 Chinese Bible
1 Peter 3:10 French Bible
1 Peter 3:10 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Peter 3:10 For He who would love life (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet)
1 Peter 3:9
Top of Page
Top of Page