A LIFE WORTH LIVING. 1st Peter 3:10 The quotation from Psalm 34 explains what Peter wrote in verse 9. In the psalm, we learn that those who do those things will find what is most gratifying in life. Not only that, their days will be good, indicating that life will be meaningful as we interact with others. Controlled, thoughtful conversations and open, honest communication have great value for all involved. Life will be good when our contacts with other people are significant. Life is worth living when we know God is in control.
God’s eyes are on those who seek and pursue peace. Rejecting evil and deliberately seeking ways to do good blesses everyone involved. When we know we are doing God’s will, life can be full and satisfying, and we are happy. We are never out of God’s sight. God always hears what we say. His ears are open to the prayers of the righteous. We may not know why things happen as they do or what we can do about them, but we can pray and commit every matter of concern to our gracious Father. To enjoy life, refrain from speaking evil and deceit. This is living as God intended.
In quoting Psalm 34, Peter brings the power of God's word to bear on the suffering saints. The tongue is a small member of our body that can bless or curse. It is to be controlled and used for good. The lips give character to the words the tongue forms. They give hidden meaning to the words, a true and visible expression. A curled lip, the downturn of the lips, or a smile can be used with deceit or guile, or with honesty. Avoiding evil is a choice, as is knowing what is right and doing it. To avoid evil and have nothing in its place that is good leaves one in danger of becoming a moral vacuum. Peace does not always stay with us, so we have to pursue it. It is not an automatic response to events in our lives, but rather the result of commitment to addressing potential problems in advance. When a conflict does arise, one who pursues peace acts quickly before the matter gets out of hand.
To have a good life, we need enthusiasm for living. It is then that we learn that God is in control, despite all the difficult days. As long as God is glorified, that should be enough for us to move forward in faith and hope. Then we will not be bored with a mediocre life measured only by temporary success and financial gain.
Second, we must refrain from evil or deceitful speech in our conversations with others. Even if something is said to hurt, deceive, or demean us, we must hold back from saying anything that does not glorify God.
Thirdly, even though it may be difficult to live at peace with those who oppose God, His people, us personally, and our Christian walk and ways, it is up to us to seek and pursue peace. It may seem hard to find, but we must endure it with patience, grace, and a quiet spirit.
Fourth, we need to remember that we are never out of God’s sight and hearing. “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, beholding the evil and the good.” God not only knows who may be against us, but He also knows our attitudes and responses. We must not retaliate with uncontrolled anger. The Lord’s “face” is against evil from whatever source, whether against us or going out from us.