1 Peter 2:1 "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking," Notice this verse starts with Therefore; when it starts with therefore we look back to the previous verses to see what it is referring to. In view of the transitory quality of human life and the permanence of the divine Word, Peter exhorted believers to change their lifestyle. He lists five sins of attitude and speech which if harbored would drive wedges between believers: Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.
Malice: wickedness
Deceit / Guile: Craftiness, using devious words and actions to get what we want
Hypocrisy: play acting
Envy: jealousy
Evil Speaking: backbiting
It doesn't pay to try to be better than those around us. As children of God we are to love one another not try to out do them. Peter exhorts us to get rid of these traits, to cast out impure desires and motives. Instead he exhorts us to feed on wholesome spiritual food that produces growth. ... We will look further into this on our next post as we look at verse two.
Until then, have a blessed day.
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