Modesty and self-respect are themes the Bible addresses regarding appearance. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about dressing with honor and how it reflects our inner character.
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What Does The Bible Say About How Women Should Dress
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 verse emphasizes the importance of modesty in a woman’s attire. It encourages women to prioritize qualities such as decency and propriety over worldly adornments. Instead of focusing on external appearances, women are called to demonstrate their faith through good deeds and a heart dedicated to worshiping God.
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 reminds women that their true beauty lies in their character rather than external appearance. It encourages women to cultivate a gentle and quiet spirit, which is highly esteemed by God. Instead of relying on superficial adornments, women are called to focus on developing inner qualities that reflect Christ’s love and character.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
This verse emphasizes that external charm and beauty are fleeting and superficial. It highlights the importance of a woman’s reverence and fear of the Lord, which is praiseworthy and enduring. It redirects the focus from physical appearance to cultivating a deep relationship with God and living a life that reflects His truth and love.
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 reminds women that their bodies are holy temples, dwelling places of the Holy Spirit. It calls for a sense of reverence and responsibility towards our bodies. As temples of God, women are encouraged to honor Him by taking care of their bodies and presenting themselves in a manner that reflects His holiness and love.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God. It calls for a holistic surrender, including how we dress and present ourselves. Our attire should reflect our commitment to living a life that is holy and pleasing to God, as an act of worship and gratitude for His mercy and grace.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse encourages women to approach every aspect of their lives, including their outward appearance, with the intention of bringing glory to God. The way we dress should align with God’s values and principles, reflecting His character and drawing attention to Him rather than ourselves.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse reminds women that in everything they do, including how they dress, they should do it with the awareness of representing Christ. Our attire should align with His teachings and be a source of gratitude to God. It calls for a conscious choice to honor God in every aspect of our lives, including our outward 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 women that true beauty is not solely based on outward appearance. God does not judge based on physical attractiveness but looks at the heart. It redirects our focus from external beauty to cultivating inner character, knowing that what truly matters to God is the condition of our hearts.
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.”
This verse reminds women that our attire should align with the fruit of the Spirit. When choosing how we dress, we should aspire to reflect qualities such as love, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. Our outward appearance should be a visual representation of the inner transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse highlights the importance of modesty in how women dress. It serves as a reminder that our attire can either honor or tempt others. By dressing modestly, we respect the boundaries of others and prevent ourselves from becoming a stumbling block for those struggling with lustful thoughts and desires.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'”
This verse reaffirms the idea that outward appearance is not the sole measure of a woman’s worth. God sees beyond physical attributes and evaluates the condition of the heart. Therefore, women should prioritize cultivating inner beauty through character, integrity, and godliness.
1 Peter 3:3
“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel.”
This verse cautions against excessive focus on outward appearance and material possessions. While it is not wrong to care about our physical appearance, it should not be at the expense of neglecting our inner selves. True beauty lies in a woman’s character and her devotion to God.
Proverbs 7:10
“And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.”
This verse serves as a warning against dressing in a way that could mislead or cause others to stumble. It reminds women to be cautious of their choices in clothing, ensuring they do not project an immodest or provocative image that could lead others into temptation.
Romans 12:2
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
This verse encourages women to resist the pressure to conform to worldly standards of dressing and instead prioritize aligning with God’s perfect will. By renewing our minds and seeking His guidance, we can make choices in our appearance that reflect His values and bring Him glory.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse reminds women that our attire should not contribute to or be associated with the works of the flesh. It serves as a call to dress in a way that does not expose or promote sinful behavior. Our fashion choices should reflect a commitment to godly living and a desire to honor God.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”
This verse reinforces the idea that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. As such, we should ensure that our attire upholds the sanctity and honor of God’s dwelling place. By dressing modestly and righteously, we demonstrate reverence for our bodies and the presence of God within us.
Ephesians 4:22-24
“That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
This verse calls women to put off their old sinful ways and adopt a new righteous mindset in Christ. When it comes to clothing choices, this means forsaking immodesty, seeking holiness, and embracing a renewed perspective that aligns with God’s standards of righteousness.
1 Peter 3:5-6
“For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.”
This verse highlights the example of holy women in the past who trusted in God and adorned themselves with a spirit of submission to their husbands. While this does not directly address clothing, it reminds women that their attire should reflect a heart of respect for authority and a desire to honor God in their roles as wives and daughters.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'”
This verse reinforces the notion that external appearances are not the ultimate measure of a woman’s worth. God’s perspective differs from worldly standards, and He values the condition of the heart above all else. Women should prioritize cultivating inner beauty and character rather than solely focusing on their outward appearance.
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This verse encourages women to let their actions and behavior shine as a testament to their faith. While it may not explicitly address dressing, it implies that our attire should contribute to our ability to be a light in the world. By choosing clothing that is modest, respectful, and tasteful, we can reflect the light of Christ and draw others to glorify God.
Galatians 3:26-27
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
This verse reminds women that through faith in Christ, we are identified as children of God. As such, our clothing choices should reflect our identity in Him. By putting on Christ, we should strive to dress in a way that honors His teachings and represents our belonging to His family.
Galatians 5:13
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
This verse encourages women to exercise their freedom in Christ responsibly. While we have the freedom to make choices in our appearance, it should not be used as an opportunity for self-gratification or to indulge in fleshly desires. Instead, our clothing choices should serve as an expression of love and respect for others.
1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.”
This verse reminds women that although they have freedom in Christ, not everything is beneficial or edifying. Our clothing choices should align with the values of love, modesty, and respect for God and others. It challenges us to consider the impact of our attire on those around us and choose what is helpful and edifying.
1 Peter 5:5
“Likewise, you younger ones, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”
This verse reminds women to clothe themselves with humility, an inner quality that should also be reflected in their outward appearance. Women are called to be submissive to one another and demonstrate humility in their interactions and their clothing choices. Humility allows us to prioritize the interests of others and seek to honor God rather than drawing attention to ourselves.