What Does the Bible Say About Modesty?
What Does the Bible Say About Modesty? The Bible calls believers to dress modestly, with emphasis on inner beauty and godliness rather than outward adornment.
Key verse: 1 Timothy 2:9-10 (KJV)
The Bible calls believers to dress modestly, with emphasis on inner beauty and godliness rather than outward adornment.
The Bible calls believers to dress modestly, with emphasis on inner beauty and godliness rather than outward adornment.
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." — 1 Timothy 2:9-10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Scripture addresses modesty in both dress and demeanor. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 instructs women to 'adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.' 1 Peter 3:3-4 similarly emphasizes inner beauty: 'Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning... But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.' While the Bible doesn't specify clothing lengths or styles, the principle is clear: believers should dress in ways that honor God, respect others, and reflect inner character rather than seeking attention through provocative or extravagant display. Modesty is ultimately a heart attitude expressed through outward choices.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Modesty?
What the Bible teaches about modest dress, inner beauty, and honoring God with our appearance.
Key Scripture References
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart."
Frequently asked questions
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Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Timothy. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Timothy on day 344 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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