1 Peter 3:1-6 “1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”
In verse 1, we find the apostle Peter giving advice that does not go over well in today’s modern world; “wives, be in subjection to your own husbands”, but this was good in his day and is still relevant in the modern day.
Let us read on, “that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives.” This is written to encourage and exhort believing women who have unbelieving husbands to be subject to their husbands that they might win them to the Lord by their conversation. The word conversation here means “way of life or behavior”.
I have personally heard many stories or testimonies of men who have stated that their wives lived godly in front of them and behaved in a way that they realized there was something there that they didn’t have. Out of curiosity and a means to avoid the wife continually asking them to go to church, they themselves go to church and end up getting saved.
This should be a great motivator and of great consolation to any woman with an unbelieving husband; knowing that their manner of life could be the means of their husband turning to Jesus.
In verse 2, “While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” There is no doubt that all unbelievers look at believers and notice everything we do. This is especially true when it is a case of husband and wife. The word chaste in this text means pure or innocent”. Again, the word conversation means “way of live or behavior”, so pure or innocent behavior that is coupled or joined with fear; fear meaning “respect or reverence”, then the husband can be won to the Lord through the very testimony of a pure life by the wife.
Concerning verse 3, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.” The apostle tells the wives not to let their adorning be of that outward appearance. Let me state here that in this case the writer is speaking of gaudy or outlandish appearance and not modest clothing and jewelry.
Ricky Wilborn Fort Payne, AL
