"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: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?"
1 Peter 3:10-13 (KJV)What does it truly mean to see good days? Job offers a striking example. Even in the midst of devastating loss, his life ultimately reflected the blessing of a man who continued to see God's goodness despite his trials. Peter provides a clear strategy for pursuing this kind of life: guard your tongue from evil and deceit, turn away from wrongdoing, and actively seek and pursue peace (1 Peter 3:10-11). This is not passive advice but an intentional way of living, one that requires ongoing effort regardless of circumstances. Trials will come, but how we conduct ourselves through them, what we say, how we treat others, and whether we pursue peace or conflict, shapes the quality of the days we experience even in difficulty.
Verse 13 offers a genuinely refreshing promise: "Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" This directly confronts fears and superstitions that suggest doing good, such as generosity toward those in need, invites harm or misfortune. Scripture dismisses this notion entirely, declaring that no one can ultimately harm those who consistently pursue what is good. Doing good is never wasted, even when trials make it feel costly or unrewarded in the moment. Let us never grow weary in doing good, trusting that this commitment carries a great and lasting reward, a life that genuinely loves and sees good days, a legacy that can be passed faithfully from one generation to the next.
Lord, help me to guard my tongue, turn from evil, and actively pursue peace, even in the midst of trials. Give me confidence that doing good is never wasted and that Your eyes are always watching over the righteous. Let my life reflect Your goodness to the next generation. Amen.