Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 3:12

"For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil." — 1 Peter 3:12 (ASV)

Peter now reinforces his teaching of non-retaliation by going to Ps 34:12– 16, which he has already alluded to in 2:3. In the psalm, the “life” and the “good days” refer to earthly life and joys. Peter’s use of these terms is not limited to this life but goes beyond it to our final salvation. Yet it is still true in this age that being gracious to others may lead to longer life and better days. On the contrary, a life of evil and strife may be shortened and marred (cf. Proverbs 13:15).

Christians should desire life in its goodness. Therefore, they must guard their ways and their tongues. Most important, they are to overcome evil with good (cf. Romans 12:21). Since peace between people is elusive and hard to achieve, Christians must actively seek and pursue it. The fear of the Lord provides a rationale for godly living and a warning to the wicked. Our facial organs (vv.10–11) speak of our personal relationship with God. The “eye” of the Lord over the righteous reminds us of his providential care for his people (cf. Exodus 2:25), and his “ear” is open to our cries for help in prayer (cf. Exodus 3:7). The “face” of the Lord is an expression for “God’s countenance”; here it relates to his anger against evildoers.