The Bible doesn’t prescribe specific colors for clothing, but it does speak to the heart behind how we dress. Modesty and humility are key themes in Scripture when it comes to appearance, and clothing choices are more about inner character than outward appearance. Let’s explore what biblical principles can guide our decisions about what to wear.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Spending Time With God
What Does The Bible Say About Marriage
Ephesians 5:22-33
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
This passage highlights the biblical principles for a healthy marriage. It emphasizes the importance of mutual submission and sacrificial love. Wives are called to submit to their husbands, just as the church submits to Christ. This does not imply inferiority, but rather a willingness to honor and respect the leadership role of the husband. Husbands, on the other hand, are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. This love involves nourishing and cherishing their wives, ensuring their well-being and spiritual growth. Ultimately, this passage teaches that a strong marriage is grounded in mutual love, respect, and submission as ordained by God.
Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
This verse highlights the value and blessing of finding a good wife. It implies that a godly marriage is a gift from the Lord. Finding a wife who is virtuous, supportive, and aligned with God’s principles brings favor and blessings from God. This verse encourages men to seek a wife who will bring goodness, joy, and favor into their lives, emphasizing the importance of choosing a life partner based on godly qualities.
1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
This verse addresses husbands and emphasizes the importance of treating their wives with consideration, respect, and honor. Husbands are instructed to recognize their wives as equal heirs of God’s grace and to regard them as precious individuals. By treating their wives well, husbands ensure that their prayers are not hindered, highlighting the interconnectedness of marital relationships with spiritual well-being.
Matthew 19:4-6
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Jesus affirms the divine institution of marriage as defined by God. He references Genesis, where God created man and woman and established the marital union. This passage emphasizes the permanent nature of marriage, declaring that what God has joined together, no human should separate. It presents marriage as a sacred bond, where two individuals become one flesh, symbolizing emotional, physical, and spiritual unity.
Malachi 2:16
“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the LORD Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
This verse contains a strong admonition against divorce and spousal mistreatment. God expresses His disapproval of those who hate and divorce their wives, as it constitutes violence against the person they should be protecting. The verse also warns against unfaithfulness, urging individuals to be on guard and to remain faithful in their marriage, emphasizing the importance of commitment, loyalty, and safeguarding the marital covenant.
Proverbs 31:10-12
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
This passage describes the qualities of an excellent wife, stating that she is more precious than rubies. It highlights the trust and confidence a husband can have in his wife, knowing she brings immense value to his life. The passage emphasizes the enduring goodness and positive impact a noble wife can have on her husband throughout their lives, underscoring the importance of virtuous character in a wife.
Genesis 2:24
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
This verse captures the divine design for marriage, highlighting the leave-and-cleave principle. It signifies a new family unit being formed through the union of a husband and wife, detached from their respective families of origin. Marriage is described as a spiritual and physical union, where two individuals become one flesh, reinforcing the sacred bond and commitment found in a marital relationship.
Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
This verse contrasts the impact of a wife of noble character with that of a disgraceful wife. A virtuous and noble wife is portrayed as a source of honor and pride for her husband, a precious jewel adorning his life. In contrast, a disgraceful or wicked wife is likened to decay, implying that her actions erode the well-being and vitality of her husband’s life. This verse emphasizes the significant role a wife plays in contributing to her husband’s happiness and reputation.
Colossians 3:18-19
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
This verse reiterates the call for wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives. However, it adds the instruction for husbands not to be harsh with their wives. It emphasizes the importance of compassionate and gentle treatment, reminding husbands to exercise patience, understanding, and kindness towards their wives. As a balanced directive, this verse emphasizes the equality of roles in marriage while highlighting the unique responsibilities of each spouse.
Proverbs 19:14
Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
This verse highlights the exceptional value of a prudent or wise wife. It asserts that while material possessions may be inherited, a wise wife is a gift from the Lord. The verse suggests that wisdom and discernment in a wife are precious qualities that go beyond material wealth, emphasizing the role of God in orchestrating marriages that are founded on wisdom and understanding.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.
This passage addresses the mutual responsibility for fulfilling each other’s sexual needs within marriage. It emphasizes that both partners have a duty to their spouse, and their bodies belong to one another. This implies the importance of selflessness and intimacy within the marital relationship, recognizing that both individuals have a role in satisfying each other’s needs for intimacy and companionship.
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
This verse emphasizes the sacredness of marriage and the call to honor it. It highlights the importance of faithfulness and purity within the marital relationship, condemning adultery and sexual immorality. The verse emphasizes that God will judge those who engage in unfaithfulness or sexual sin, underscoring the importance of maintaining fidelity, purity, and respect within the marriage covenant.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
This well-known passage from 1 Corinthians defines love’s characteristics and qualities. It presents love as patient, kind, humble, and selfless. It also depicts love as being forgiving, honest, and protective. This verse applies to all aspects of life, including marriage, and serves as a reminder of the selfless and unconditional love that should characterize a marital relationship.
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 beauty and charm are temporary and deceptive. It underscores the enduring worth and value of a woman who fears the Lord. A woman who cultivates a deep reverence and relationship with God is considered praiseworthy and possesses timeless qualities that surpass external appearances. This verse encourages the recognition and admiration of inner character and spiritual qualities in a wife.
Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
This proverb highlights the impact of a wise or foolish wife on her household. A wise woman contributes to the growth, stability, and harmony of her home, metaphorically building it up. In contrast, a foolish woman tears down her own household, implying that her actions or character have destructive consequences. This verse underscores the influence of a wife in shaping the atmosphere and the overall well-being of her family.
Proverbs 31:26
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
This verse describes the virtuous wife as one who possesses wisdom and communicates with kindness and faithfulness. It emphasizes the importance of words and the positive impact they can have within a marital relationship. A wise wife uses her words to comfort, encourage, and guide her husband and family, demonstrating the value of wise and uplifting communication in a healthy marriage.
1 Corinthians 11:3
But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
This verse addresses the God-given order within the family structure and marriage. It asserts that Christ is the head of every man, and man is the head of the woman. This hierarchical structure is based on the principle of submission and authority. It does not imply inequality or lesser value but emphasizes the distinct roles and responsibilities assigned by God within the marital relationship.
Proverbs 5:18-19
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
This passage celebrates the sexual intimacy and pleasure within the marital relationship. It encourages husbands to find joy and satisfaction in their wives and to cultivate a passionate and affectionate love. The poetic language employed in this verse expresses a deep longing for mutual enjoyment and satisfaction in marital intimacy.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.
This passage from the Song of Solomon portrays the intense and unbreakable nature of love. It uses vivid imagery to describe love as strong as death, unyielding as the grave, and unquenchable by many waters. It highlights the immense value of love, which cannot be bought or replaced by wealth. This verse affirms the enduring and passionate nature of love within a committed marital relationship.
Proverbs 20:6-7
Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
This proverb emphasizes the rarity and value of faithful love. It challenges the prevalence of empty promises and superficial expressions of affection, highlighting the difficulty of finding a genuinely faithful person. Those who lead righteous lives and demonstrate faithful love are regarded as blessed, leaving a positive legacy for their children. This verse underscores the importance of integrity and steadfastness in a marital relationship.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
This verse emphasizes the paramount importance of deep and genuine love within a marital relationship. It encourages spouses to love one another deeply, reminding them that love has the power to forgive and cover a multitude of sins. It speaks to the capacity of love to heal wounds, mend brokenness, and foster reconciliation in a marriage, reinforcing the need for unconditional and forgiving love.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
In these verses, Paul provides instructions regarding marital separation and divorce. He commands that a wife should not separate from her husband, and if she does, she should remain unmarried or seek reconciliation. Similarly, a husband is advised not to divorce his wife. This verse highlights the sanctity and permanence of marriage, discouraging divorce and encouraging couples to reconcile their differences and work towards restoration.
Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
This verse emphasizes the favor and blessing that comes from finding a good wife. It acknowledges the wonderful gift and inherent goodness that a wife brings into the life of her husband. By seeking a wife who embodies godly qualities, a man receives favor and blessings from the Lord. This verse encourages men to value and treasure the wife that God brings into their lives, recognizing the positive impact she can have on their journey.