In 1 Timothy 2:9, Paul mentions braided hair in the context of modesty. While some interpret this as a caution against elaborate hairstyles, the broader message is about focusing on inner beauty and character. The Bible encourages believers to prioritize a gentle and humble spirit over outward appearance.
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What Does The Bible Say About braided hair
1 Timothy 2:9
“likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,”
This verse from 1 Timothy highlights the importance of modesty and self-control when it comes to our outward appearance. It specifically mentions not adorning oneself with braided hair, gold, pearls, or costly attire. This doesn’t mean that braided hair is inherently sinful or wrong, but rather it reminds us to focus on our inner qualities and character rather than being overly consumed with outward appearances. It encourages us to prioritize traits such as modesty and self-control, which reflect the heart and character of a follower of Christ.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
In this verse, Peter emphasizes that true beauty is not found in external adornments such as fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. Instead, he encourages believers to focus on adorning themselves with the beauty that comes from within. This inner beauty is characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit, which is highly valued by God. The verse reminds us that our worth and value come from our relationship with God and the character we develop, rather than the external attributes we possess. It challenges us to prioritize cultivating a Christlike character over solely focusing on our physical appearance.
1 Corinthians 11:15
“But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.”
In this verse, Paul discusses the concept of glory and the role of long hair in relation to women. He suggests that long hair is an inherent glory and a natural covering for women. This verse highlights the importance of honoring and appreciating the physical attributes that God has given us, recognizing them as blessings rather than being overly preoccupied with external adornments. It reminds us that our hair, like any other physical attribute, can be seen as a reflection of God’s design and should be cherished with gratitude.
Isaiah 3:24
“Instead of smelling of sweet perfume, she will stink. She will wear a rope for a sash, and her elegant hair will fall out. She will wear rough burlap instead of rich robes. Shame will replace her beauty.”
This verse in Isaiah paints a vivid picture of the consequences of rebellion against God. It describes how the women who turn away from following God’s ways and indulge in worldly pursuits will experience a downfall in their appearance and status. The mention of the loss of elegant hair serves as a reminder that our outward appearance can be affected by our choices and actions. It encourages us to prioritize seeking God’s righteousness and living according to His will, rather than chasing after temporary and worldly beauty.
Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 remind us not to be consumed by anxiety or worry about our physical needs and appearance. While this verse doesn’t directly address braided hair, it serves as a broader reminder that our focus should be on eternal matters and our relationship with God, rather than being overly concerned with temporary and material things. It encourages us to trust in God’s provision and prioritize matters of the heart and soul over external appearances.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
This verse from Proverbs 31 highlights the fleeting nature of external beauty and charm. It emphasizes that true beauty and worth come from having a reverential fear of the Lord. While it doesn’t mention braided hair specifically, it reminds us that our worth and value as individuals are rooted in our relationship with God rather than our physical appearance. It encourages us to prioritize cultivating godly character and living in a way that brings honor and praise to the Lord.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
This verse in Galatians describes the fruit that should be evident in the life of a believer as a result of the indwelling Holy Spirit. While it doesn’t directly address braided hair, it reminds us that our focus should be on producing good fruit through the manifestation of godly characteristics such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities go beyond external appearances and emphasize the importance of transforming our hearts and minds to align with Christ’s teachings.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
This verse in Psalm 139 acknowledges and praises God for His marvelous creation. It expresses gratitude for being fearfully and wonderfully made by God. While it doesn’t specifically mention braided hair, it serves as a reminder that each one of us is uniquely and beautifully designed by God. It encourages us to appreciate and embrace our individuality, including our physical attributes such as hair, as part of God’s intricate and intentional design.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
In this verse, God reminds Samuel that He does not judge or value people solely based on their outward appearance. Instead, God sees and evaluates the condition of the heart. While this verse doesn’t explicitly mention braided hair, it emphasizes the importance of inner qualities and character over external appearances. It challenges us to cultivate a heart that is aligned with God’s will and to prioritize developing a deep relationship with Him, rather than placing excessive emphasis on outward adornments.
Song of Solomon 4:1
“You are beautiful, my love, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners.”
In the Song of Solomon, the beauty and attractiveness of the beloved are praised. While this verse doesn’t directly mention braided hair, it reminds us that beauty can be appreciated and celebrated within the context of a loving relationship. It recognizes the value and allure of physical features, including hair, as part of the unique attractiveness of an individual. However, it’s important to note that this verse needs to be understood within the context of the Song of Solomon, which primarily describes the physical and emotional love between a husband and wife.
James 4:6
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””
James 4:6 sheds light on the importance of humility in the lives of believers. It teaches that God opposes the proud but extends grace to the humble. Although this verse doesn’t mention braided hair specifically, it prompts us to examine our hearts and attitudes regarding our appearance. It encourages us to cultivate a humble heart that seeks to glorify God rather than pursuing vanity or drawing attention to ourselves through outward adornments, including hairstyles. It serves as a reminder to prioritize humility in all aspects of our lives, including our appearance.
1 Samuel 16:12-13
“So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.”
In this passage, David is anointed as the future king of Israel by Samuel. The verse describes David as having ruddy features, beautiful eyes, and being handsome. While it doesn’t directly mention braided hair, it highlights the fact that David’s appearance wasn’t the primary reason for his selection as king. Instead, God chose David based on his heart, character, and potential for leadership. This reminds us that external appearances, including hairstyles, are of lesser importance compared to the qualities that truly matter to God.