What is Biblical Modesty?
 

I've seen several posts that reference 'biblical modesty'. What exactly is biblical modesty? What does the Bible tell us about dressing modestly?

Re: What is Biblical Modesty?
 

These are the only verses that I can think of off hand.


1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
1 Timothy 2:9 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;
1 Timothy 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Re: What is Biblical Modesty?
 

The only place I know of is in I Timothy where it says to wear "modest apparel" with "modest" meaning "decorous", which I understand as "in keeping with good etiquette/manners." You could probably expand on that by including the terms "shamefacedness" and "sobriety" when you try to decide what is modest and acceptable.

That's the only biblical modesty I know of. Modesty is subjective and relative to some extent, but then again, most of us know a brash, immodest woman when we see one. To that end, "immodest" has as much to do with attitude as it does with particular items of clothing, and the same is true for modesty.

Re: What is Biblical Modesty?
 

Shamefacedness & sobriety are included for us already aren't they?

Re: What is Biblical Modesty?
 

Fig leaves.

:heeheehee

Re: What is Biblical Modesty?
 

I meant if you include those terms in reference to apparel in particular.

"Shamefacedness" means to be bashful [toward men], and certain clothing would certainly be off limits under that definition.

Re: What is Biblical Modesty?
 

If it's good enough for God... it's good enough for me. :)

Re: What is Biblical Modesty?
 

we grow lots of figs in Brazil...so just move over here....

Re: What is Biblical Modesty?
 

Was it good enough for God? :D

Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

It looks like He considered the fig leaf aprons to be equivalent to "unclothed." :coffee2

Re: What is Biblical Modesty?
 

So we do know, biblically, whether God cares if we show our arms... how much of our leg should show.... etc, etc. Is there a biblical mandate that certain parts be disguised or covered.... or is it pretty much culturally defined?

I know some people who object to women wearing pants because they say it's not 'modest' because the shape of her backside is somewhat "shown". (even in pants which aren't tight) And yet no one objects to tops which show somewhat of a woman's shape, too, unless she's wearing a kimono or something.

Can we conclude biblically that a man shouldn't go shirtless?

Are there any clear-cut (or even vague) biblical guidelines on these things, or do we simply use good sense and good taste?