1. Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil-speakings,
2. As new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3. If indeed ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4. To whom coming as to a living stone, disallowed indeed by men, but chosen by God, and precious,
5. Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner-stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7. To you therefore who believe he is precious: but to them who are disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them who stumble at the word, being disobedient: to which also they were appointed.
9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
10. Who in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;