Modesty

Modesty. What is it? Does anyone really know anymore? We talk about it a lot. I know I have talked about it, and thought about it, a lot lately. But what is modesty, exactly? How is it defined? What does it mean?

These questions prompted me to do some research. I have discovered several definitions of modesty, and discovered some interesting facts in the process. The definition has certainly changed over the years...as has the practice. Big surprise, huh?

I started with Webster. Not the modern Webster, but with the original. In 1828, Mr. Webster defined modesty in this way:

"That lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimate of one's own worth and importance. ...synonymous with chastity, or purity of manners. In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace and ignominy fortified by education and principle. Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor."

That definition would never make it into today's lexicons. In fact, it didn't. Mr. Webster would not be well thought of by the women's lib groups today.

So, what did the more modern dictionaries have to say about modesty? The modern Mirriam Webster dictionary said this: "freedom from conceit or vanity; propriety in dress or vanity". Short and sweet. Like everything else today, it is dumbed down. It bears only a slight resemblance to the original. And there is absolutely no reference to the connection between women and modesty. Not politically correct, I suppose.

I found yet another definition. This may be my favorite (said in a rather sarcastic tone). MacMillandictionary.com gave this definition: "behavior, especially by women, that is designed to avoid causing sexual feelings in other people; a feeling of being shy or embarrassed about other people seeing your body". Seriously? MacMillan did manage to bring women back into the equation. But it went beyond Mirriam Webster's dumbing down, and sexualized the whole thing.

And therein, my friends, lies the problem.

Going back to our first definition, modesty has to do with inner worth and value. It is an outward expression of a pure heart and mind. And regardless of how offensive this may be to some, it is a feminine trait. My next post will be about how the Bible deals with modesty. But for now I will say that almost all of the references I have found deal with modesty and women. A girl, or a woman, who values herself and has a pure mind and heart will behave modestly. She will not want to draw inappropriate attention to herself. She will be more concerned with the inward than with the outward.

Today's understanding of modesty has been stripped of it's original meaning and in its place is a superficial, simplistic, carnal definition. It is so vague that few understand it, and most are offended by it. Modern feminism has convinced women that their bodies are theirs to do with what they please. Any suggestion that they should be "shy or embarrassed about other people seeing your body" (MacMillan's definition) is disregarded as preposterous and degrading.

The first step in a return to modesty, then, is to understand what it means. The next, more important step is to know what God says about it.