1 Peter 2:12-20

12Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

13For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state,

14or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.

15It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.

16For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.

17Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.

18You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel.

19For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.

20Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.