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Well of Modesty

The well of modesty can be dug quickly. Losing this conviction can lead not only you down a path of destruction but others. We are going to look at scriptures and how the Bible defines modesty.


Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4


I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

1 Timothy 2:9-10


Twice, the scripture cautions us not to have elaborate hairstyles and to dress modestly with decency. Real beauty comes from the inside of the person and should not be based on materialism, sexy appearance, or boldness that draws attention to oneself. As I began studying modesty, I was caught off guard because I thought modesty was based on dress, but scripture is clear modesty is head-to-toe appearance. So I went deeper to study modesty, and the Life in the Spirit Study Bible stated, “Modesty involves dressing in such a way as NOT to draw attention to the body or to cross the boundaries of proper reserve” (p. 1920). Personally, I have three take a-ways:


  1. From head to toe, our appearance should not draw attention to ourselves. I never thought hairstyles or jewelry were considered in the realm of modesty, but they should not draw attention away from the Lord.

  2. Our dress should not draw attention to our bodies. Our clothing should not lead someone to the well of lust because that can lead to significant destruction.

  3. Our beauty comes from the inside, and our dress is the outward manifestation of inward purity.


As Christians, Romans 12:2 is clear to not conform to the patterns of the world, and after studying scripture, this includes overall appearance. A few questions to consider regarding modesty. Is my dress aligning with scripture or the world standards? Is my outer appearance going to cause a stumbling block? We must set ourselves apart with how we treat others and not in bold dress. We fall into a trap if we try to conform to the world, and scripture is clear that this includes dress.


Pastor Kendra Scott

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