1 Peter 2:12

“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, etc.] To have the conversation honest, is to provide things honest in the sight of men; to live and walk honestly before all; to do those things which are right and honest in the sight of God, and among men; to order the conversation aright, according to the law of God, which is a rule of walk and conversation, and as becomes the Gospel of Christ; and which was the more, and rather to be attended to, because these converted Jews were “among the Gentiles”, that knew not God; idolaters, and unbelievers, profane sinners, who were watching for their halting, and that they might take an advantage against them, and the Gospel, and the religion…”

“conversation--"behavior"; "conduct." There are two things in which "strangers and pilgrims" ought to bear themselves well: (1) the conversation or conduct, as subjects (Pe1 2:13), servants (Pe1 2:18), wives (Pe1 3:1), husbands (Pe1 3:7), all persons under all circumstances (Pe1 2:8); (2) confession of the faith (Pe1 3:15-16). Each of the two is derived from the will of God. Our conversation should correspond to our Saviour's condition; this is in heaven, so ought that to be. honest--honorable, becoming, proper (Pe1 3:16). Contrast "vain conversation," Pe1 1:18. A good walk does not make us pious, but we must first be pious and believe before we attempt to lead a good course. Faith first…”

“Having your conversation honest - Your conduct. See the notes at Philippians 1:27. That is, lead upright and consistent lives. Compare the notes at Philippians 4:8. Among the Gentiles - The pagans by whom you are surrounded, and who will certainly observe your conduct. See the notes at 1 Thessalonians 4:12, “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without.” Compare Romans 13:13. That, whereas they speak against you as evil doers - Margin, “wherein.” Greek ἐν ᾥ en hō - “in what;” either referring “to time,” and meaning that at the very time when they speak against you in this manner they may be silenced by seeing your upright lives; or meaning “in respect to which” - that is, that…”

“Honest - Not barely unblamable, but virtuous in every respect. But our language sinks under the force, beauty, and copiousness of the original expressions. That they by your good works which they shall behold - See with their own eyes. May glorify God - By owning his grace in you, and following your example. In the day of visitation - The time when he shall give them fresh offers of his mercy. 1 Peter 2:13”

“2:12 when he judges the world (or on the day of visitation): The phrase day of visitation is used in the Greek Old Testament to describe the time when God will visit his enemies to judge them (Isa 10:3; Jer 6:15).”

“your conversation: Pe1 3:2; Psa 37:14, Psa 50:23; Co2 1:12; Eph 2:3, Eph 4:22; Phi 1:27; Ti1 4:12; Heb 13:5; Jam 3:13; Pe2 3:11 honest: Rom 12:17, Rom 13:13; Co2 8:21, Co2 13:7; Phi 4:8; Th1 4:12; Ti1 2:2; Heb 13:18 among: Gen 13:7, Gen 13:8; Phi 2:15, Phi 2:16 that: Pe1 3:1, Pe1 3:16, Pe1 4:14-16; Mat 5:11, Mat 10:25; Luk 6:22; Act 24:5, Act 24:6, Act 24:13, Act 25:7 whereas: or, wherein they may: Mat 5:16; Tit 2:7, Tit 2:8 glorify: Pe1 4:11; Psa 50:23; Rom 15:9; Co1 14:25 the day: Luk 1:68, Luk 19:44; Act 15:14 1 Peter 2:13”