1 Peter 3:10-12

God's Watchful Care for His Children

Next, Peter quoted Psalms 34:12-16 in an effort to encourage his readers to follow the admonitions of verses 8-9. Those who would have a productive life on earth and desired eternal life in heaven should do the things the Psalmist describes (1 Peter 3:10-12).

First, he must stop his tongue from evil and deceitful speaking. Second, he should avoid evil and seek to do good (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22; Romans 12:9; Galatians 6:10). Third, he must not only be a peacemaker, but also one who actively pursues it (Matthew 5:9; Hebrews 12:14). Woods notes that the words "on" and "against" in verse 12 are both from the same Greek word which means "upon". The Lord's eyes and ears are upon the righteous for their well-being. He watches out for their good (Matthew 6:33; Matthew 28:20) and keeps his ears tuned to hear them express their earnest desires (Matthew 7:7-11; John 14:13-14). The Lord's face is upon those that do evil also, but with displeasure (Isaiah 59:1-2; Psalms 66:18; Proverbs 15:29; Isaiah 1:10-15).