A “gentle and quiet spirit” is not natural to fallen mankind (Matthew 15:19; Galatians 5:19–21). Traits of gentleness (humility, meekness) and quietness (rest, tranquillity) reflect Jesus’ own spirit (Matthew 11:29), and so characterize those who are “born again.” Jesus had declared, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). He had also instructed his disciples not to be “anxious” but to entrust their needs to the care of their heavenly Father (Matthew 6:25–26). The spirit that Peter desires lies behind the “good deeds” he had mentioned earlier (1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 2:15, 1 Peter 2:20).
4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.