Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Peter 3:11

"And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it." — 1 Peter 3:11 (ASV)

Let him avoid evil. Let him avoid all evil. .

And do good. In any and every way; by endeavoring to promote the happiness of all. .

Let him seek peace, and ensue it. Follow it; that is, practice it. (Romans 12:18).

The meaning is, that a peaceful spirit will contribute to length of days.

1. A peaceful spirit—a calm, serene, and equal temper of mind—is favorable to health, avoiding those corroding and distracting passions which do so much to wear out the physical energies of the frame.

2. Such a spirit will preserve us from those contentions and strife to which so many owe their death. Let anyone reflect on the numbers that are killed in duels, in battles, and in brawls, and he will have no difficulty in seeing how a peaceful spirit will contribute to length of days.