September 10, 2014
SHHH . . . ?
1 Peter 3:1–7
Sarah Colquitt
Central Truth
God is more concerned with the condition of our hearts than our physical appearance. Peter reiterates this fact by pointing out that God values a heart characterized by a "gentle and quiet spirit." Does that mean we have to keep our voices down in order to be pleasing to God?
Key Verse | 1 Peter 3:4
[B]ut let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. (1 Peter 3:4)
1 Peter 3:1–7
Wives and Husbands
1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you 1 3:7 Some manuscripts since you are joint heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Dive Deeper | 1 Peter 3:1–7
If you know me at all, or have been around me for five minutes -- scratch that, five seconds -- you know that I'm not exactly the quiet type. But today's text says that God values beauty with the "imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4, NASB). Gentle and quiet? Uh-oh, I'm in trouble.
For many years, I thought this literally meant I had to be quiet in order to have a heart pleasing to God and beautiful in His sight. I was discouraged because the way I'm wired does not naturally lend itself to being soft-spoken. I was confused because the Bible says God "knitted me together in my mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13), and if so, why didn't He make me quiet, if that's what is so pleasing to Him? I was frustrated because it seemed I had no hope for this imperishable and unfading quality that God so highly valued.
I was also wrong.
A little digging reveals that the Greek word used here for "quiet" is "hēsychios." Synonyms for this word and its root "hedraios" include: tranquil, firm, immovable, steadfast (blueletterbible.org). Those words have nothing to do with personality and everything to do with the condition of the heart. And caring more about the heart than the outer appearance is absolutely consistent with God's character. (See 1 Samuel 16:7 for more on that.)
Regardless of how you and I are wired, quiet or loud, outgoing or shy, we can still have hearts that are tranquil, steadfast, and "precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4). A relationship with Jesus is what transforms our hearts, not talking less or speaking softly. A relationship with Jesus is what brings about the firm, immovable quietness in which true beauty is rooted, not that new pair of earrings or those cute jeans (or whatever it is you guys are into . . .). A relationship with Jesus is the answer, and that's not something to be quiet about!
Discussion Questions
1. What "merely external" forms of adornment are you holding onto and/or finding your worth in? (1 Peter 3:3) What Scriptures can you look to for finding your true worth? Luke 12:7 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 are a couple of my favorites!
2. Would you consider yourself "gentle"? Can you think of other Scriptures that speak of gentleness? Here are a few to get you started: Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 3:15; Ephesians 4:2.
3. A relationship with Jesus is the starting place for lasting beauty that is "precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4). Do you have a relationship with Jesus? If not, what is keeping you from praying to receive Him today?