Verse 16
A good conscience is possible when we know our suffering is in spite of good behavior, not because of bad behavior (cf. 1 Peter 2:19; 1 Peter 3:4; 1 Peter 3:6). A simple explanation of our good conduct may take the wind out of the sails of our critics.
"Conscience may be compared to a window that lets in the light of God’s truth. If we persist in disobeying, the window gets dirtier and dirtier, until the light cannot enter. This leads to a ’defiled conscience’ (Titus 1:15). A ’seared conscience’ is one that has been so sinned against that it no longer is sensitive to what is right and wrong (1 Timothy 4:2). It is even possible for the conscience to be so poisoned that it approves things that are bad and accuses when the person does good! This the Bible calls ’an evil conscience’ (Hebrews 10:22). . . .
"A ’good conscience’ is one that accuses when we think or do wrong and approves when we do right." [Note: Wiersbe, 2:414. See Roy B. Zuck, "The Doctrine of Conscience," Bibliotheca Sacra 126:504 (October-December 1969):329-340.]
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