In today’s world, the use of makeup is a common practice for many, serving as a form of self-expression, creativity, and confidence. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly mention makeup as we know it today, it does offer insights into beauty, modesty, and the value of inner character. Join me as we examine some Bible verses that prompt reflection on the deeper aspects of beauty and self-image, transcending mere outward appearance.
What Does the Bible Say About Makeup?
In the Bible, the focus is more on inner beauty and the condition of the heart rather than external appearance. We are called to adorn ourselves with good deeds and a gentle and quiet spirit rather than with external adornment such as elaborate hairstyles or the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes (1 Peter 3:3-4). This does not mean that makeup or adornment is prohibited, but the emphasis is on the heart and character.
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Therefore, the motivation behind using makeup should be to glorify God and to present ourselves in a modest and respectful manner, rather than to draw attention to ourselves or to conform to worldly standards of beauty.
Ultimately, our focus should be on cultivating a Christ-like character and reflecting the beauty of Christ in our lives through our actions, words, and attitudes. As we strive to align our lives with the teachings of the Scriptures, including how we present ourselves outwardly, let us seek wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit, and ensure that our choices are in line with God’s will and bring honor to Him.
Also Read: Bible Verses About The Fruit Of The Spirit
Bible Verses About Makeup
Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This verse reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. It emphasizes our uniqueness and the fact that we don’t need to alter our appearance with makeup to be accepted by God or others.
Psalms 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
God’s creation in us is marvelous, and we should embrace our natural beauty as a testament to His wonderful works. We can find confidence and joy in knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
This verse highlights the importance of inner beauty and character over outward appearance. While makeup can enhance physical features, it is the fear of the Lord and a godly character that deserves praise and admiration.
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.”
Peter encourages women to focus on cultivating inner beauty rather than relying on external adornments. The beauty that truly matters to God is a gentle and quiet spirit, which is everlasting and greatly valued in His sight.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Instead of focusing on physical appearance, Christians are instructed to “put on” virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These qualities reflect the character of Christ and are more important than any external changes brought by makeup.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'”
God’s perspective is different from ours. He sees beyond our external appearance and values the condition of our hearts. Focusing on our inner beauty and character is more important to Him than any external adornments.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
As Christians, our minds should be renewed and transformed by God’s Word, not conforming to the world’s standards of beauty. We should seek to align our thoughts and desires with God’s will rather than being influenced by societal pressures.
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.”
While this verse doesn’t directly mention makeup, it emphasizes the importance of modesty and focusing on good deeds rather than outward adornments. It encourages women to have a worshipful heart rather than relying on extravagant appearances.
2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Our thoughts and beliefs about beauty should align with the truth of God’s Word. We are called to take captive every thought that leads us away from finding our worth and value in Him alone, rather than the illusion of external appearance.
Isaiah 61:3
“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
God desires to bestow on us His beauty and joy, transforming our lives from the inside out. He longs to exchange our despair for praise and our ashes for a crown of beauty, which no amount of makeup can truly replicate.
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.”
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and as Christians, we are called to honor God with our bodies. This goes beyond physical appearance and includes taking care of ourselves holistically, focusing on our overall well-being rather than solely external enhancements.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
We are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for a purpose. Our value lies in fulfilling the good works that God has prepared for us, not in conforming to societal standards of beauty.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our actions and deeds, not our appearance, should be what draw others to glorify God. By focusing on inner beauty and conducting ourselves in a Christ-like manner, we can reflect God’s light to those around us.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
These qualities, described as the fruit of the Spirit, are far more valuable than any external enhancements. As we cultivate these attributes in our lives, our true beauty will radiate from within.
Romans 8:6
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Our minds should be governed by the Holy Spirit, seeking life and peace in Him, rather than being consumed by worldly standards of beauty that can lead to dissatisfaction and insecurity.
Psalm 45:11
“Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.”
In this verse, the psalmist speaks of the King being enthralled by the beauty of the bride. As believers, we are the bride of Christ. We should strive to honor Him with our beauty, which is found in our devotion, love, and submission to Him.
1 Samuel 16:12-13
“So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’ So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.”
This passage describes David’s anointing to become king. It highlights the fact that God looks beyond external appearance and values qualities such as spiritual health, character, and anointing by His Spirit.
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Our pursuit as Christians should be righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, rather than obsessing over external appearances or societal standards that hold no eternal value.
Song of Solomon 4:7
“You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.”
This verse expresses the love and admiration of the groom towards his bride. In the same way, we are loved and accepted by God as His children, and He sees us as beautiful without any flaws or need for cosmetic enhancements.
Psalm 45:10
“Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house.”
This verse encourages us to focus on the things that truly matter and to let go of the pressures and opinions of the world. Our worth is not found in external appearances but in our identity as children of God.
Luke 12:24
“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
This verse reminds us of God’s loving provision for all of His creation, emphasizing how much more valuable we are to Him as His children. Our worth is not determined by our outward appearance, but by His deep love for us.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
This verse encourages us to consider the impact of our choices and not be controlled by anything, including societal pressures or the pursuit of physical beauty. Our focus should be on what is truly beneficial and edifying to our spiritual growth.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Our actions, including how we view and handle our appearance, should be done to bring glory to God. We should seek to align our choices, including the use of makeup, with His will and the desire to honor Him in all that we do.
Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Jesus reminds us not to be consumed by worry or obsession over earthly concerns, including physical appearance. Our true value lies in our relationship with God, who lovingly cares for us and considers us of far greater worth than even the birds He provides for.