What does the Bible say about Modesty?

[Jeffrey]

This website's author argues that clothing is always used to identify you, to send a message (and they give some examples). They admit the Scripture spends more time on the heart. But the way we dress communicates things about us.

We avoid cultural relativism, though we must recognize our culture has thresholds of modesty. Anyone work in an office environment with a lot of people? Check your HR handbook for what is not "appropriate." That's not just so you can look like an office employee, but many of them are there to prevent sexual harassment, and so the work environment is comfortable for everyone.

http://isthismodest.com/2009/02/09/w...about-modesty/

This website has similar findings, but goes further and elaborates on what immodesty DOES, instead of what it is. In fact, it says immodesty relates to lust, when it refers to the attire of a harlot. When we realize how much Jesus does not like lust, and how much power we can help one another, it's a game-changer. http://www.bible-infonet.org/bin/fea...ng/modesty.htm

American Standard Version of this scripture 1 Tim 2:9-10:
“Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.”

Nakedness, as identified even by Adam and Eve after they sinned (and God gave them clothes to cover-up!) is an obvious thing principles of modesty are avoiding. So is nakedness just genitals or does it include other intimate parts of the body? Should clothes present one's body in a sexual and seductive way? Heart check if so.

Good topic here AQP. You got me thinking.

[Jeffrey]

AQP I think we find the Bible silent on a hard and fast rule, but with the right hearts, we have got to make some conclusions that are applied to fashioned today.

Nakedness should be covered.

That's an over-arching principle for today's modesty.

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

AQP I think we find the Bible silent on a hard and fast rule, but with the right hearts, we have got to make some conclusions that are applied to fashioned today.

Nakedness should be covered.

That's an over-arching principle for today's modesty.

I agree.

But, let's say with the long-sleeve, short-sleeve debate. Is there *any* scripture that would indicate that long sleeves are more pleasing to God?

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

I agree.

But, let's say with the long-sleeve, short-sleeve debate. Is there *any* scripture that would indicate that long sleeves are more pleasing to God?

None. It's all private interpretation, or application I should say. With a good heart, some will see it differently. But the next question would be, at what point is it revealing nudity, or revealing too much?

If the limbs are nudity, are bathing suits appropriate in public and mixed company also?

Sounds like something that tripped even David up (thinking of Bathsheba).

Sleeves... yeah, nothing scriptural for that, but something I do think each individual can call on their own. Look in the mirror. What are you displaying? As a child of God, do you feel comfortable? That's person-to-person.

[Pressing-On]

I ran across something interesting when I was studying the word "glory".

Doctrine of an aspect of salvation built upon the broader biblical concept of the glory of God. The Hebrew word for "glory" originally meant "weighty, heavy, or important."

From there it moved to the idea of an influential, rich or prominent person. In ancient cultures the wealthy and the powerful were marked by the finery of their dress and jewels.

Hence a person's glory meant the ostentatious signs of wealth and power. Glory also suggested beauty, since fine clothes and jewels were items of beauty.

The concept was then extended to God.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

As a child of God, do you feel comfortable? That's person-to-person.

Once again, I agree. I just think it's interesting that the Bible really doesn't have a lot to say on the subject, and yet it's one of our main issues.

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I ran across something interesting when I was studying the word "glory".

See that would make me want to be less ostentatious, and put-together, but less flashy. Not because it's an edict, but understanding that, and wanting to please God.

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

Once again, I agree. I just think it's interesting that the Bible really doesn't have a lot to say on the subject, and yet it's one of our main issues.

Agreed.

It's probably WHY it's one of our main issues... so much gray. So we fight, fight, fight.

And our North American culture is materialistic. Fashion reigns. Skin sells. What you wear has meaning. It's hard to remember that sometimes... "My Kingdom is not of this world" (Jesus).

I wish God would give us something clear, but maybe it's the whole reason he doesn't. He wants us to conform to His image, letting the Holy Ghost mature and work in us, Him producing the fruit and not us simply obeying an edict.

[*AQuietPlace*]

I thought this was interesting:

How did the Israelites dress in the wilderness?

(be forewarned, this is an ex-UPC site)

[*AQuietPlace*]

And just in case anyone is wondering, I dress very modestly and have no plans to change that. Ever.