2:1Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

2:3If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

2:4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

2:6Wherefore 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.

2:7Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

2:10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

2:11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.