Makeup is a part of many people’s lives today, but does the Bible have anything to say about it? Today, we’ll explore the Scriptures to see if there’s guidance on beauty, self-expression, and inner worth.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Helping People
What Does The Bible Say About Wearing Makeup
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 God’s focus is not on our outward appearance, but on the condition of our hearts. It teaches us that true beauty comes from within and that our character and actions are what truly matter to God.
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 is temporary, but a woman who fears the Lord and seeks to live a godly life is praiseworthy. It encourages us to prioritize inner virtues over external adornment.
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.”
In this passage, Peter advises that our true beauty should not be dependent on external adornments, but rather on the beauty of our character. A gentle and quiet spirit, rooted in a relationship with God, is far more valuable in God’s eyes than any outward appearance.
Matthew 23:27-28
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
Jesus warns against the danger of being so focused on external appearances that we neglect our inner selves. This verse teaches us the importance of cultivating genuine purity and righteousness internally, rather than merely trying to project a polished image outwardly.
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.”
These verses instruct women to prioritize modesty and decency in their attire. Rather than relying on extravagant hairstyles or expensive clothing to define their worth, they are encouraged to let their good deeds and devotion to God speak for themselves.
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 verse reminds us that our identity and worth come from being created in the image of God. Our value is not derived from how we enhance our appearance but from the inherent dignity bestowed upon us by our Creator.
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.”
As believers, our bodies are considered sacred because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. This verse reminds us that our bodies should be treated with respect and used to honor God, rather than purely focusing on external enhancements.
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.”
Paul encourages believers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice to God. Our true worship and devotion should be demonstrated through our actions and the way we live, rather than through superficial efforts to enhance our appearance.
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.”
This verse highlights the distinction between physical appearance and spiritual growth. While physical exercise has some value, our pursuit of godliness holds infinitely more significance, impacting not only the present but also the eternal aspect of our lives.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This beautiful Psalm reminds us of the incredible way in which God has fearfully and wonderfully created each one of us. It is a reminder that we are valued and cherished by God, regardless of how we may choose to enhance our appearance.
Deuteronomy 14:2
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.”
God’s people are called holy, chosen, and treasured by Him. Our worth and identity come from being set apart for God’s purposes, rather than from conforming to societal standards of beauty.
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 remind us that true beauty is reflected in the fruit of the Spirit that grows in our lives. These qualities, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control, are far more valuable than any external enhancements we may choose to pursue.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Just as we would put on clothes, we are instructed to “clothe” ourselves with virtues that reflect the character of Christ. These virtues, such as compassion, kindness, and humility, should be the focus of our personal adornment.
Psalm 45:13-14
“All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her—those brought to be with her.”
This passage, although metaphorical, speaks of the beauty and honor of the princess within. It reminds us that true beauty radiates from the inside and is characterized by virtues like purity, grace, and honor.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
While not directly addressing the topic of makeup, this verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences. It reminds us to consider the impact our choices may have on our character and to prioritize cultivating inner beauty through godly relationships.
Isaiah 3:16-17
“The Lord says, ‘The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles. Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald.'”
This passage serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the negative consequences of vanity and pride. It warns against focusing excessively on external appearance and the potential negative repercussions that may follow.
Psalm 45:10-11
“Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.”
In this poetic verse, the psalmist encourages the bride to forget her past and fully embrace her new identity and role. It reflects the idea that our primary focus should not be on our outward appearance but on honoring and pleasing the Lord.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
This verse reminds us that we are created by God, uniquely designed to carry out His purpose. Our beauty is displayed through the good works we do, as we live out the calling placed on our lives by our Creator.
1 Samuel 16:12-13
“So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’ So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”
This passage recounts the anointing of David as king. While David possessed a handsome appearance, it was his heart and the presence of God’s Spirit in him that set him apart. It reinforces the idea that external beauty alone is not enough, but rather, God looks at the heart.
Romans 13:14
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
These words from Paul remind us to prioritize our spiritual attire over our physical appearance. By focusing on our relationship with Christ, we can resist the temptation to overemphasize external gratification and instead seek to align our lives with His teachings.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”
This verse reminds us that true fulfillment and beauty are found in knowing and serving the Lord. It challenges us to boast not in outward achievements or appearances but in our relationship with God and the pursuit of godly virtues.
Psalm 149:4
“For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”
This verse reveals that God finds pleasure in His people when they humbly serve Him. Our significance and beauty are not defined by external factors but by our willingness to surrender to God and seek His purposes above all else.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
While not directly addressing makeup, this verse highlights the importance of inner character and the need to be prepared to share our faith. It encourages us to prioritize the qualities of gentleness and respect when engaging with others, which can profoundly impact how others perceive us.
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
These words of Jesus remind us of the need for spiritual vigilance and the potential pitfalls we may encounter. It calls us to prioritize the strengthening of our spiritual selves, rather than becoming overly preoccupied with external appearances or desires.