22. What encouragement does Psalm 34:12-16 provide about avoiding a vengeful spirit?

²² Continuing his encouragement not to retaliate in word or in deed, Peter quotes from Psalm 34:12-16 and writes:

“For, ‘he that would love life and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from what is bad and his lips from speaking deception,

23, 24. (a) What does it mean for us to “love life” and to want to “see good days”? (b) How do we benefit by showing a love for life?

²³ These words of Peter emphasize that treating all persons in a kind manner is really the only proper way to live, the best way to live. The person who ‘loves life,’ appreciating it as a gift from God, and who wants to see “good days”​—days that give him a sense of purpose and meaning in living—​shows this by promoting the happiness of his fellow humans. He keeps his tongue in check, not using it to downgrade, revile, deceive or to defraud others.

1 Peter 3:10

²⁴ The person who demonstrates his love for life by helping others to enjoy happiness and peace makes himself a desirable associate. Others show by their words and actions that they view him as needed, wanted and appreciated. As a result, his life will never be empty or meaningless.​—Proverbs 11:17, 25.