For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This ancient quote emphasizes that true "love of life" and seeing "good days" isn't about outward success, but about actively guarding your words. The focus is on the internal discipline of your speech as the direct pathway to a fulfilling life.
For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is urging believers to live a life that reflects Christ, especially in how they interact with the world around them, even when facing suffering. This verse directly follows his instruction to submit to governing authorities and to live honorably among non-believers, building on the idea that a righteous life is the most compelling witness. He then expands on what that righteous life looks like, pointing to control of the tongue as a fundamental aspect of loving life and experiencing God's favor.
Who doesn't want to love life and experience good days? Peter points us to a surprising, yet simple, key that unlocks this desire. It’s not about grand gestures, but everyday words.
What Does it Take?
Peter, quoting from Psalm 34, tells us that the path to a life we love and days filled with goodness isn't found in chasing fleeting pleasures or accumulating wealth. Instead, it's rooted in something much more fundamental: our speech.
Our words carry immense power – they can build up or tear down, heal or wound. Peter reminds us that the very foundation of a good life is built on responsible speech.
Words as Building Blocks
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Peter isn't just saying 'don't lie.' He's talking about the pervasive nature of our communication and its impact.
Think of your tongue as a tool. It can be used to construct something beautiful and true, or it can be used to destroy. The Psalmist and Peter are urging us to wield this powerful tool with care and wisdom, recognizing that the quality of our words directly impacts the quality of our lives and our relationship with God.
Understand the original words
kakos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Any act, thought, or attitude that is contrary to God's will or harmful to others. It is the opposite of righteousness and the goal of the Christian life is to turn away from it.
dolos · Greek Noun
Intentional falsehood or craftiness in speech meant to mislead or manipulate. It is frequently condemned in Scripture as an attribute of the enemy and a corruption of the tongue.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of 1 Peter 3:10, asking 'Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?' and then detailing the need to guard the tongue and avoid deceit.
James 1:26James elaborates on the theme of controlling the tongue, stating that if one 'thinks he is religious but does not bridle his tongue, he deceives himself,' directly linking outward religious practice with the inward control of speech.
Proverbs 18:21This proverb powerfully illustrates the life-and-death impact of our words, reminding us that 'the tongue has the power of life and death,' which underscores the importance of Peter's instruction to speak truth and avoid harm.
Matthew 12:36-37Jesus himself warns that 'every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for on the day of judgment,' highlighting the serious consequences of unchecked speech that 1 Peter 3:10 seeks to prevent.
This ancient quote emphasizes that true "love of life" and seeing "good days" isn't about outward success, but about actively guarding your words. The focus is on the internal discipline of your speech as the direct pathway to a fulfilling life.
Peter is urging believers to live a life that reflects Christ, especially in how they interact with the world around them, even when facing suffering. This verse directly follows his instruction to submit to governing authorities and to live honorably among non-believers, building on the idea that a righteous life is the most compelling witness. He then expands on what that righteous life looks like, pointing to control of the tongue as a fundamental aspect of loving life and experiencing God's favor.
Peter is urging believers to live a life that reflects Christ, especially in how they interact with the world around them, even when facing suffering. This verse directly follows his instruction to submit to governing authorities and to live honorably among non-believers, building on the idea that a righteous life is the most compelling witness. He then expands on what that righteous life looks like, pointing to control of the tongue as a fundamental aspect of loving life and experiencing God's favor.
"For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;" — This ancient quote emphasizes that true "love of life" and seeing "good days" isn't about outward success, but about actively guarding your words. The focus is on the *internal* discipline of your sp…
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Last reviewed October 2026