Appearance is often a topic of discussion, but how does God view it? Today, we’ll examine what the Bible says about makeup and jewelry, focusing on the importance of inner beauty over outward appearance.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Wedding Ceremonies
What Does The Bible Say About Makeup And Jewelry
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 that true beauty comes from within, from having a gentle and quiet spirit rather than external adornments such as makeup and jewelry. It teaches us to prioritize inner qualities over outward appearances.
1 Timothy 2:9
“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.”
Paul advises women to dress modestly and not focus on elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive clothes. This verse encourages simplicity and humility rather than seeking to attract attention through outward adornments.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse reminds us that outward beauty is temporary and can deceive, but a woman who fears the Lord and lives according to His ways is worthy of praise. It emphasizes the importance of inner character and virtue.
1 Samuel 16:7
“…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
In choosing David as king, the Lord reminds us that He sees beyond outward appearances and looks at the heart. This verse challenges us to prioritize inner qualities and character over external adornments.
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 outward adornments, believers are encouraged to clothe themselves with inner virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These qualities reflect the character of Christ.
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
The emphasis here is on cultivating love and faithfulness in our hearts, as these qualities will bring favor and a good reputation in the sight of both God and others. It highlights the importance of inner qualities over external appearances.
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 us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and as believers, we are called to honor God with our bodies. It encourages us to use our bodies in a way that reflects our reverence for God rather than focusing on external embellishments.
Proverbs 11:22
“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”
This metaphorical verse likens a beautiful woman without discretion to a gold ring in a pig’s snout. It suggests that outward beauty loses its value when not accompanied by wisdom and discernment. It points to the importance of inner qualities.
Matthew 6:28-29
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
Jesus encourages His followers not to worry excessively about clothing and external appearances. He points to nature, where even the flowers are beautifully adorned by God without any effort on their part. This verse reminds us to trust in God’s provision rather than placing our value in outward adornments.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This psalm acknowledges that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. It reminds us that our worth and beauty come from being created by Him and reflects the greatness of His works. It helps us appreciate our God-given identity rather than relying on external enhancements.
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 verses describe the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities such as love, joy, peace, kindness, and self-control. They highlight the importance of cultivating inner virtues that reflect God’s character rather than focusing on external appearances.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
In this warning, Jesus advises His followers to be cautious about the dangers of greed and the pursuit of material possessions. He reminds us that true life and fulfillment do not come from accumulating external adornments but from our relationship with God and the inner transformation He brings.
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 believers to live their lives in a way that brings glory to God in everything, including their choices regarding appearance. It reminds us to prioritize honoring God in all aspects of our lives, including the way we present ourselves.
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.”
Paul reminds us that the kingdom of God is not focused on external rituals or practices but on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This verse directs our attention to cultivating inner qualities that reflect the character of God rather than emphasizing external adornments.
Galatians 3:27
“for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
This verse highlights the spiritual clothing believers receive through their baptism in Christ. It emphasizes the importance of identifying with Christ and allowing His character to be manifested in our lives, rather than finding identity in external clothing or accessories.
1 Samuel 16:1
“The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”
In this verse, God speaks to Samuel, reminding him to redirect his focus from mourning Saul to anointing the chosen king, David. It serves as a reminder that our focus should not be on external appearances or worldly standards but on what God has chosen and appointed for His purpose.
Psalm 45:11
“Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.”
This poetic verse addresses the beauty of the bride and her relationship with the king. It reminds us to honor and reverence God, our Lord, rather than fixating on external attractiveness. Our true beauty lies in our devotion and submission to Him.
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 foundational verse declares that every person is created in the image of God. It highlights the inherent value and worth that each individual possesses, regardless of external appearances. It teaches us to value ourselves and others based on our shared image-bearer status.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.””
In this verse, Paul warns against the influence of negative company on one’s character. It reminds us to be cautious of those who prioritize external adornments and worldly values, as their influence can lead us astray from our pursuit of godly character.
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 believers not to conform to the standards and trends of the world but to undergo a transformation of the mind through the power of the Holy Spirit. By aligning our thoughts and desires with God’s will, we can prioritize inner transformation and seek His perfect plan for our lives.
1 Timothy 4:8
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Paul reminds Timothy that while physical training has some value, godliness holds greater value for both our present life and the eternal life to come. This verse emphasizes the importance of developing inner qualities and character that surpass the temporary pursuit of physical beauty.
Psalm 45:10
“Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:
Forget your people and your father’s house.”
This verse from a psalm speaks to the bride, urging her to pay careful attention and forget her former identity and associations. It symbolizes the bride’s devotion and surrender to the king. Similarly, it calls believers to let go of the world’s standards and place their focus on God rather than external affiliations.
Romans 8:5-6
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
These verses contrast those who live according to the flesh, seeking physical desires and worldly adornments, with those who live in accordance with the Spirit, prioritizing godly desires and inner transformation. They highlight the life and peace that come from aligning our minds with the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Paul declares that as believers, our old selves have been crucified with Christ so that His life now lives in and through us. This verse emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice and encourages us to live by faith, allowing His character to shine through us rather than relying on external adornments.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus advises against the accumulation of earthly treasures that are subject to decay and loss. Instead, He encourages believers to focus on storing up treasures in heaven through acts of righteousness, which have eternal significance. This verse redirects our attention from material possessions to spiritual investments.