For, if it is God's will that you should suffer, it is better [for you] that it be on account of doing right than doing wrong.

For God approves a man if from a sense of duty he endures suffering unjustly inflicted??20 for what credit is there in your enduring being beaten for doing wrong? But if you endure suffering for doing what is right, you have God's approval.

What credit can you claim when, after doing wrong, you take your punishment for it patiently? But, on the other hand, if, after doing right, you take your sufferings patiently, that does win the approval of God.

Live like free men, only do not make your freedom an excuse for doing wrong, but be slaves of God.

Do not repay a wrong action with [another] wrong action, nor abusive [language] with [additional] abuse, but rather be a blessing [to one another]. For the purpose of your being called [by God] was so that you could receive a blessing [from Him eventually].

Being conscious that you have done no wrong; so that those who say evil things about your good way of life as Christians may be put to shame.

Because the eyes of the Lord are on upright men, and His ears listen to their pleading cries, but His face is against them that do wrong."

or to governors as sent by him to bring punishment to those who do wrong, and to praise and encourage those who do right.

He should turn away from wrong living and do what is good. He should desire peace and do whatever it takes to maintain it.