Jewelry has been worn throughout history, including in biblical times. The Bible doesn’t specifically prohibit men from wearing jewelry, but it does encourage modesty and warns against placing too much value on outward appearances. The focus is on the heart and character, rather than on adornments.
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What Does The Bible Say About A Man Wearing Jewelry
Genesis 35:4
So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem.
This verse shows that in the Old Testament, jewelry was associated with pagan worship and false gods. Jacob’s family recognized the need to remove their earrings, which were symbols of their former idols, in order to fully commit to worshipping the one true God.
It serves as a reminder to prioritize our devotion to God over material possessions and symbols of worldly influence.
Exodus 32:2-3
Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron.
Here we see another example of jewelry being associated with idolatry. The Israelites, influenced by their time in Egypt, created a golden calf and worshipped it as a false god. Aaron instructed the people to give up their earrings, emphasizing the need to remove any associations with idolatrous practices.
Proverbs 11:22
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
This verse uses a metaphor to highlight the importance of inner beauty and character rather than being solely focused on external appearance. Just as gold in a pig’s snout loses its value and seems out of place, a beautiful woman lacking discretion and moral character loses her true worth.
It encourages us to prioritize qualities of integrity, wisdom, and modesty over superficial adornments.
Isaiah 3:18-23
In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, the earrings and bracelets and veils, the headdresses and anklets and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, the signet rings and nose rings, the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.
This passage describes God’s judgment upon the pride and moral corruption of the people. The detailed list of their extravagant jewelry and accessories emphasizes how they had become consumed with external appearances and material wealth, neglecting the values and principles God had called them to uphold.
It serves as a warning against the dangers of materialism and the emptiness of seeking fulfillment in worldly possessions.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
This verse emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner beauty and character rather than relying on outward appearance. While there is nothing inherently wrong with wearing jewelry or fine clothes, the focus should be on developing a gentle and quiet spirit that reflects the character of Christ.
It reminds us that true beauty is found in our relationship with God and our transformation into His image.
Exodus 35:22
All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings, and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.
In this verse, we see a positive example of jewelry being used in a manner that demonstrates generosity and devotion to God. The Israelites willingly offered their gold jewelry as a wave offering, signifying their gratitude and willingness to participate in the construction of the tabernacle.
It teaches us about the importance of giving sacrificially and wholeheartedly in our worship of God.
Hosea 2:13
“I will punish her for the days she burned incense to the Baals; she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but me she forgot,” declares the Lord.
This verse highlights how jewelry can symbolize a heart that has turned away from God. The Israelites adorned themselves with rings and jewelry to allure their false gods instead of remaining faithful to the Lord.
It serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of staying committed to God alone.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
This passage encourages women to focus on inner qualities and modesty rather than relying on outward adornments. Instead of pursuing extravagant hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, the emphasis is placed on cultivating a godly character and engaging in acts of kindness and service.
It reminds us that our true worth lies in our faith and obedience to God, rather than in our external appearance or possessions.
Ezekiel 16:12
I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.
This verse is part of a metaphorical description of God’s care and adornment for Jerusalem. The imagery of placing a ring, earrings, and a crown symbolizes God’s love and blessings upon His people.
It signifies the value and significance God places on His chosen ones and serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and provision.
Proverbs 31:22
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
This verse describes the virtuous woman who is known for her wisdom, industry, and noble character. The mention of her being clothed in fine linen and purple signifies her dignity and honor.
It highlights the importance of dressing modestly and tastefully, reflecting a woman’s inner qualities rather than drawing attention solely to her outward appearance.
Song of Solomon 1:10
Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.
This verse appears in a poetic context in the Song of Solomon. It represents the affectionate admiration and appreciation between the bridegroom and bride. The mention of beautiful earrings and strings of jewels accentuates the physical beauty and attractiveness of the bride.
It reminds us of the delight and beauty found within the context of a loving, committed relationship.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
This verse emphasizes the sacredness of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. It calls us to treat our bodies with respect and honor, recognizing that we have been purchased by the blood of Christ.
It reminds us to make choices that align with God’s will, including how we present ourselves and the adornments we choose to wear.
Revelation 17:4
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries.
This verse depicts a symbolic image of a woman representing the deceitful influence of false religion and immorality. Her lavish attire, adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls, symbolizes material wealth and worldly allure.
It serves as a warning about the dangers of being enticed by worldly pleasures and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
Exodus 3:22
Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians.
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver, gold, and clothing. This act of taking from the Egyptians represents the spoils of their bondage and serves as a tangible reminder of God’s deliverance.
It signifies God’s provision and the fulfillment of His promises, rather than endorsing the excessive accumulation of material possessions.
Zechariah 14:20
On that day “Holy to the LORD” will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the LORD’s house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar.
This verse refers to a future time of restoration and worship. The reference to bells and sacred bowls emphasizes the sanctification of all objects, highlighting the complete dedication of everything to the Lord.
It reminds us of the importance of consecrating our possessions and lives to God, recognizing that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him.
Exodus 12:35-36
The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The LORD had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians.
Here we see a similar account to Exodus 3:22, where the Israelites asked their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver, gold, and clothing. God’s favor resulted in the Egyptians willingly giving these possessions to the Israelites.
It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision, as well as the importance of using material blessings in alignment with His purposes.
Job 42:11
All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.
This verse speaks of the restoration and blessing that Job experienced after enduring immense trials. The gifts of silver and gold rings symbolize the support and encouragement offered by his loved ones.
It reminds us of the importance of showing love and generosity to those who are suffering, using our resources to comfort and uplift others.
Esther 8:15-16
Mordecai left the king’s presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration. For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.
This verse describes Mordecai’s elevation in status and honor. The mention of his royal garments, crown of gold, and robe of fine linen signifies his newfound position of influence and recognition.
It serves as a reminder that earthly possessions and outward appearances can be indicators of honor, but true honor ultimately comes from God.
Exodus 28:4
These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests.
This verse describes the specific garments that were to be made for Aaron and his sons to serve as priests in the tabernacle. Each garment held symbolic significance and represented their consecration and role in worshiping God.
It reminds us of the importance of using adornments in a manner that reflects our devotion and obedience to God’s calling and purposes.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
This verse encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our choices in clothing and personal adornments. It calls us to live with the intention of bringing glory and honor to God in all that we do.
It reminds us that our actions, including how we present ourselves, should be driven by a desire to reflect God’s character and bring Him praise.
Proverbs 25:12
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
This verse compares the value and beauty of fine jewelry to the impact of a wise man’s rebuke to someone who is willing to listen and learn. It emphasizes the importance of receiving correction and the wisdom that can be gained through humble openness to guidance.
It encourages us to appreciate the value of wise counsel and correction in our lives.
Exodus 33:5
For the LORD had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.’
This verse depicts a moment of rebellion and idolatry among the Israelites. Their ornaments are associated with their disobedience and stiff-necked nature, prompting God to call them to repentance and remove their adornments.
It serves as a reminder of the need to humble ourselves before God, repent of our sins, and prioritize obedience to His commands over worldly things.