Modesty-What God's Word Says

In my last post, I gave some definitions (some better than others) of modesty. But no definition is adequate unless we look at what God's Word says. His is the definition, the explanation, that matters. What does the Word say about modesty?

1 Timothy 2:9-10 actually uses the word "modestly" (well, at least the English translation does). "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." These verses are part of Paul's instructions on living a lifestyle of worship. In verse 2 he directed believers to live "peaceful, quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." The reference to braided hair, gold and pearls was probably in response to class issues in the church. The rich were often guilty of showing off their riches, making the poor feel out of place. Paul's instructions then were to stress that a woman's dress was not to be showy, flaunting wealth, status or beauty. She was not to be a distraction to others. Drawing attention to herself meant drawing attention away from God.

The original language here used the Greek word Aidos. How does this word compare to the definitions from earlier? Aidos (pronounced ahee-doce') means to have a sense of shame, modesty, self-respect, awe. Not a negative type of shame, but a righteous sense attached to doing anything that would be disgraceful. In other words, the self-restraint to keep oneself from any behavior that would bring shame.

There is another word in these verses that carries a similar meaning: Propriety. Propriety is a translation of the Greek word Kosmios, meaning well-ordered, decent, modest, harmonious arrangement. One explanation I found said, "The well-ordering is not of dress and demeanor only, but of the inner life...expressing itself in the outward."

And so, in just these two verses, is the idea that modesty is born out of an inner sense of respect and humility, with a well ordered sense of self that does not seek attention. What, then, does that look like? It does not look flashy, or flamboyant. It does not draw the eye (particularly the male eye). It points away from itself, and hopefully points to the Creator. True beauty is from within, and accentuates outward beauty. Likewise, inward beauty is lost in translation when the outward appearance is distracting in any way.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:3-4

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion. Proverbs 11:22