The Bible addresses hair in cultural and spiritual contexts, including braiding. Today, we’ll look at what Scripture says about hair and its connection to modesty, humility, and honoring God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Braiding Your Hair
What Does The Bible Say About Braiding Hair
1 Timothy 2:9
“Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with appropriate clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments.”
This verse highlights the importance of modesty and simplicity in how women choose to dress and style themselves. It advises against focusing on external beauty through extravagant adornments like braided hair, expensive jewelry, or lavish clothing. Instead, the emphasis is on inner beauty and a lifestyle of humility.
1 Peter 3:3
“Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.”
This verse echoes the sentiment of 1 Timothy 2:9 and emphasizes the importance of inner beauty over external appearances. It encourages women to focus on cultivating qualities of the heart, such as gentleness and a tranquil spirit, that hold greater value in the eyes of God.
2 Corinthians 4:18
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
This verse reminds us to shift our focus from the temporary and visible aspects of our lives, including external appearances, to the eternal and unseen. Instead of placing excessive importance on outward beauty or temporary trends, we are encouraged to prioritize spiritual growth and the development of a Christ-like character.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse emphasizes that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. It teaches that our true value and beauty come from being created by Him and reflects His marvelous works. Therefore, our focus should be on embracing and appreciating the unique way in which God has made us, rather than seeking validation through external adornments.
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.’”
This verse reminds us that while people tend to judge based on outward appearances, God sees and evaluates us based on the condition of our hearts. It reinforces the idea that inner beauty and character are of greater significance to God than external attractiveness or superficial presentation.
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 transient nature of physical beauty and the potential deceitfulness of charm. It emphasizes that a woman who possesses a reverential fear of the Lord, displaying a godly character, is the one worthy of praise and admiration. This verse reminds us to prioritize spiritual qualities over temporary external attributes.
Matthew 23:5
“But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.”
This verse criticizes those who seek external attention and recognition by exaggerating their religious practices and outward symbols of piety. It serves as a cautionary reminder that the focus of our faithfulness should be on the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God, rather than on performing actions solely for the purpose of impressing others.
Matthew 6:1
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise, you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”
This verse instructs us not to perform acts of righteousness or display piety for the sole purpose of receiving recognition and praise from others. Instead, our motive for righteous actions should be rooted in our desire to please God and seek His approval. True beauty lies in the authenticity of our relationship with God, rather than in seeking the applause of people.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body.”
This verse reminds us that, as believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting our bodies as vessels for God’s presence. This includes being mindful of how we adorn and present ourselves, striving to bring glory to God in all aspects of our lives, including our physical appearance.
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.’”
This verse reminds us that while people tend to judge based on outward appearances, God sees and evaluates us based on the condition of our hearts. It reinforces the idea that inner beauty and character are of greater significance to God than external attractiveness or superficial presentation.
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 transient nature of physical beauty and the potential deceitfulness of charm. It emphasizes that a woman who possesses a reverential fear of the Lord, displaying a godly character, is the one worthy of praise and admiration. This verse reminds us to prioritize spiritual qualities over temporary external attributes.
Matthew 23:5
“But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.”
This verse criticizes those who seek external attention and recognition by exaggerating their religious practices and outward symbols of piety. It serves as a cautionary reminder that the focus of our faithfulness should be on the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God, rather than on performing actions solely for the purpose of impressing others.
Matthew 6:1
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise, you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”
This verse instructs us not to perform acts of righteousness or display piety for the sole purpose of receiving recognition and praise from others. Instead, our motive for righteous actions should be rooted in our desire to please God and seek His approval. True beauty lies in the authenticity of our relationship with God, rather than in seeking the applause of people.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body.”
This verse reminds us that, as believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting our bodies as vessels for God’s presence. This includes being mindful of how we adorn and present ourselves, striving to bring glory to God in all aspects of our lives, including our physical appearance.
Psalm 33:9
“For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.”
This verse highlights the power of God’s words and commands. It reminds us that everything in creation, including our physical appearance, is a result of God’s spoken word. Our focus should therefore be on honoring God with our bodies and acknowledging His ultimate authority over our lives.
1 Peter 3:4
“but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.”
This verse emphasizes the value and importance of cultivating inner qualities such as a gentle and quiet spirit. It encourages us to focus on nurturing our inner character and developing a heart that is pleasing to God, rather than being preoccupied with external appearances.
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.”
This verse encourages us to resist the pressure to conform to the world’s standards of beauty and instead allow God to transform our minds and renew our perspectives. By aligning our thoughts and desires with God’s will, we can experience a true understanding of what beauty means in His eyes.
Proverbs 3:15-16
“She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.”
This verse showcases the immeasurable worth and value of wisdom. It suggests that possessing wisdom and godly character is more valuable than any external adornments or material possessions. It encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of wisdom and godliness, recognizing their eternal significance.
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.”
This verse reminds us to prioritize shining the light of Christ through our actions and character. By focusing on cultivating inner beauty and living a life that reflects God’s love, we can have a lasting impact on others and bring glory to God. External beauty should always be secondary to the radiance of a Christ-centered life.
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.’”
This verse reminds us that while people tend to judge based on outward appearances, God sees and evaluates us based on the condition of our hearts. It reinforces the idea that inner beauty and character are of greater significance to God than external attractiveness or superficial presentation.
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 transient nature of physical beauty and the potential deceitfulness of charm. It emphasizes that a woman who possesses a reverential fear of the Lord, displaying a godly character, is the one worthy of praise and admiration. This verse reminds us to prioritize spiritual qualities over temporary external attributes.
Matthew 23:5
“But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.”
This verse criticizes those who seek external attention and recognition by exaggerating their religious practices and outward symbols of piety. It serves as a cautionary reminder that the focus of our faithfulness should be on the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God, rather than on performing actions solely for the purpose of impressing others.
Matthew 6:1
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise, you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”
This verse instructs us not to perform acts of righteousness or display piety for the sole purpose of receiving recognition and praise from others. Instead, our motive for righteous actions should be rooted in our desire to please God and seek His approval. True beauty lies in the authenticity of our relationship with God, rather than in seeking the applause of people.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body.”
This verse reminds us that, as believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting our bodies as vessels for God’s presence. This includes being mindful of how we adorn and present ourselves, striving to bring glory to God in all aspects of our lives, including our physical appearance.