For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
Put to silence ...  "The original word here properly signifies to muzzle a beast, to hinder it from eating, or from biting."[41] Peter's method of doing this, of course, was that of doing so by righteous conduct. As Barnes said, "One of the best ways of meeting the accusations of our enemies is to lead a life of strict integrity.  It is not easy for the wicked to reply to this argument."[42]