1 Peter 3:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Keep a clear conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ are put to shame.
What Does 1 Peter 3:16 Mean?
Peter ties the witness of words to the witness of life. A good conscience, a record of genuine integrity, must stand behind the answer given. The defense is only as strong as the life it rests on.
When accusers find nothing real to condemn, their slander recoils upon them; they are shamed by the very goodness they tried to malign. Peter envisions a life so plainly upright in Christ that false charges cannot stick. The believer's best reply to slander is a clean conscience and a beautiful life, which together leave the accusers with nothing to hold and much to answer for.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Peter 3:16
What does 1 Peter 3:16 mean?
Keep a clear conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ are put to shame.