The topic of biblical modesty is greatly assaulted by everything from the media to feminism to liberal preachers. It's meaning is hotly debated and a lot of narrow assumptions are asserted as fact.
In most people's minds, modesty is synonymous with “cover some skin”, but this really is a limited view of a concept that has a broader reach.
In this article, we'll look at what modesty truly is and the misunderstanding surrounding it.
The topic of biblical modesty is greatly assaulted by everything from the media to feminism to liberal preachers. It's meaning is hotly debated and a lot of narrow assumptions are asserted as fact.
In most people's minds, modesty is synonymous with “cover some skin”, but this really is a limited view of a concept that has a broader reach.
In this article, we'll look at what modesty truly is and the misunderstanding surrounding it.
What Is Modesty?
Many people are unsure of the true definition of modesty and some end up regurgitating what they've heard from pastors and teachers without giving full consideration to the whole issue. In 1 Timothy 2:8-10 it says:
"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 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."A good starting place to understanding this issue is to be clear that modesty means showing the propriety of behavior expected of a person professing to be a servant of God. To give us some more clues, let's look at a definition from Webster's 1828 Dictionary.
"MOD'EST, a. [L. modestus, from modus, a limit.]1. Properly, restrained by a sense of propriety; hence, not forward or bold; not presumptuous or arrogant; not boastful; as a modest youth; a modest man.2. Not bold or forward; as a modest maid. The word may be thus used without reference to chastity.
The blushing beauties of a modest maid.
3. Not loose; not lewd.
Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife.
4. Moderate; not excessive or extreme; not extravagant; as a modest request; modest joy; a modest computation."
As you can see from the above Bible passage and definitions, there is a lot more to modesty than the generally assumed meaning. In an article(1) Meggie Cotonethal writes,
"In 1 Timothy 2:9, Paul uses the word kosmios to describe how a woman should present herself, which is translated as “modest” or “respectable.” Kosmios is related to the word cosmos and connotes orderliness and propriety. Paul also uses the same word in 1 Timothy 3:2, which outlines the qualities men need to have to be overseers, and there it is translated as “respectable” (some versions say, “of good behavior”).
Clearly, modesty is not just a woman’s issue..."
It's more like a philosophy that touches every aspect of life for both men and women. Let's examine the different elements in detail.
A Lack of Self-Centeredness, & Impropriety
Understanding that you, yourself, have both value and faults keeps a person focused on a modest view of the self. Humility goes a long way toward making Christ the focus of all people notice about you as well as maintaining a godly testimony and reputation. In I Peter 5:5 it says,"...be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."To allow both value and faults in human beings, who are both flawed and created in God's image, keeps you within a godly, modest view of others and yourself. Professing and acting upon this idea allows you to have both a modest speech pattern as well as modest behavior. In Romans 12:3 Paul gives us something to think about. It says,
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think..."Clearly, self-exaltation or proud boasting is at odds with biblical modesty, a concept which applies to both men and women. Fully understanding this part of modesty protects you from acting out with pridefulness or unnecessary boldness toward others, instead answering with kindness and compassion.
Originally written in 1701, the book The Whole Duty of a Woman(3) says,
"And not only the air but vices of men are carefully copied by some women, who think they have not made a sufficient escape from their sex, till they can be as daringly wicked as the other. A sober modest dialect is too effemeninate for them; a blustring ranting stile is taken up..."Even in the eighteenth century, some women were complaining about the unladylike habits of women blustering and ranting immodestly! The authoress links the behavior to women desiring masculinity and masculine power in a manner akin to modern feminism. This illustrates that, regardless of the era, modest speech and propriety of behavior is an important part of being modest.
Appropriateness of Dress & Appearance
This is the aspect of modesty most people seem familiar with, but there is more to this than meets the eye. Covering yourself from head to toe doesn't guarantee that your dress is modest. So then, what is modest dress?
The Bible talks in-depth about the what is considered modest adornment in I Peter 3:4,
The Bible talks in-depth about the what is considered modest adornment in I Peter 3:4,
"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, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."This tells us that clothing should reflect the inner woman who honors and values God and his word. Taking on this mindset allows a lady to choose pieces for her wardrobe that glorify God and put on display his teachings and nature.
With this in mind, it's important that one considers choosing clothing that isn't too flashy or draws too much attention to the wearer.
Another, more obvious, aspect of modest dress is protecting others from evil temptation that we may be pushing towards them by our use of immodest clothing. Causing another to stumble into sin is spoken of in Romans 14:13.
"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."We may feel free and liberated to be able to wear whatever we want. This is a concept hammered home by this modern God-less culture. However, using your "freedom" to tempt another to sin is no freedom at all, but the bondage of sin upon you. "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak." warns 1 Corinthians 8:9.
This is not to say that you have to wear colorless or bland clothing. Quite the opposite. The intention is not to be always bland or frumpy or ugly. The overall goal of a modest fashion sense isn't to scream out that the wearer is a glamorous, sexy creature, but to highlight the spiritual abundance present in a godly woman.
Refusing Snobbery and an Abundance of Things
A modest person refuses to engage in pretense and snobbery. They aren't interested in having a larger home than they need, full of finery, with expensive cars in the garage.In our consumerist society, the media and shops make it difficult to step away from the constant drive to acquire things and to then use those things as a way to prove worth. In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns us, "...Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
Showing off one's possessions is the opposite of modesty. It's prideful and competitive and gives no thought to the feelings of those in one's social circle. Being snobbish is ungodly and immodest because it focuses on the worldly things that perish rather than the incorruptible things of God. It puts unnecessary pressure on friends and loved ones to keep up appearances. It also dents the reputation and makes others remember the person as pretentious. "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others," says Philippians 2:3-4.
At the same time, a modest person blessed with life's finer things doesn't throw them away needlessly. They should operate in thankfulness to God for all that they have been given and use their fortunate circumstances wisely, turning their eyes toward service of those less well-off than themselves. In Proverbs 19:17 it says,
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."To the hard-working household, getting a grasp of this aspect of modesty can be a God-send to the budget because it encourages contentment. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8 it talks about contentment, telling us:
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."You realize you don't need to splurge on the best of everything to be happy or to have a worthwhile life. You can have a life free from this kind of strife and constant pandering for others to notice all of your "valuable" stuff. Time with friends becomes a comfortable affair that you can enjoy without feeling like you have to spring for the most expensive restaurants or splash on luxury vacations. Your children will learn to conserve, use what they have on hand, and to not covet what is pushed by the media as fashionable.
In her book(2), authoress Genevieve Antoine Dariaux estimates that the minimal wardrobe for any season requires only about 12 pieces, including accessories.
One should buy only clothing that fits and is flattering. Avoiding trends becomes essential, as they go out of fashion every year or so, and constantly buying new is wasteful. We can invest in good quality pieces that will last and are versatile. Cosmetics are chosen carefully, buying products and shades that suit the skin tone and type and are age appropriate, as well as being God-honoring.
We can donate things we no longer need or use or put them in a garage sale, putting the fruit of godliness, kindness and, modesty at work in our community.
Thanks for reading and please share.
Sources
(1) Meggie Cotonethal, DesiringGod.com:
(2) Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, A Guide to Elegance(3) A Lady, The Whole Duty of a Woman, Or, an Infallible Guide to the Fair Sex
