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:

but let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

His desire is to shun all badness and to do what is good from God’s standpoint. As a person who seeks and pursues peace, he will not be aggressive or belligerent but will exert himself to promote good relations with and among others.​—Romans 14:19.

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.

1 Peter 3:10-12.