A: I
often see Christians fighting more over such items as this and ignoring
more important matters. However, it is a good question and one that
deserves an answer. Please understand that I do not consider myself the
final word on these matters. I am simply seeking to understand the
scriptures to the best of my ability. There are a number of scriptures
that deal with jewelry but two New Testament passages seem to be given
for instruction in this matter. Here they are:
1Timothy 2:9-10 - "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."
1Peter 3:2-5 - "While they behold your chaste conversation coupled
with
fear. 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. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also,
who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their
own husbands."
As you know, some people discount these verses entirely while others
make
even a wedding band a sign of worldliness. While I do not think these
passages prevent any jewelry or simple adornment for ladies, it probably
does restrict it much more than commonly practiced today. Let me give
a
summary of some of the principles taught in these verses.
1. Woman are to adorn themselves in modest apparel. Though we usually
use the word "modest" to refer to that which is virtuous and
fully covers
the body, modest has another meaning that also applies here. The second
meaning is akin to our word "moderate." It refers to the avoidance
of
extremes, wearing clothes that are proper and decent. This certainly
applies to additional adornment of the body. Jewelry or makeup should
blend with the person and not draw attention to themselves. They should
not draw undue attention to the body either.
2. The adorning of women should draw attention to the inner person
and
not to the outer person. The "shamefacedness and sobriety" deal
with not
bringing attention to self; not causing a stir by the appearance or
actions. Her apparel is to be of such a modest nature so as to reveal
"the hidden man of the heart...even the ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit." I conclude from this and from the scriptural teaching that
the
"light of the body is the eye" (Luke 11:34) that the appearance
of a
godly woman should draw attention to her face and not to any other part.
3. The adorning of women should not be costly. It is not to be "costly
array." Adornment is not meant to show others that you can afford
what
they cannot. Expensive jewelry or clothes are not pleasing to God. You
should not wear what many around you cannot afford to wear. It tends
to
puff you up with pride and it tends to create envy in others.
Why then do I not feel that jewelry and makeup are prohibited completely?
I find the possibility for modest adornment in 1Peter 3:3 - "Whose
adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and
of
wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel." This verse not only
refers
to the wearing of gold, but it also refers to the putting on of apparel.
Certainly, apparel (that is, clothing) is not being prohibited
completely. Therefore, we can conclude that Peter is referring to a
moderate and modest use of these items and not a complete denial.
Another point that needs to be made is that modest apparel and adornment
do not mean going around with an unkept, ragged appearance. This does
not
honor God either. And it actually brings more attention to the flesh
than
a modestly attractive appearance.
I am not going to set rules for what is and what is not allowed in minor
details. In fact, God does not do this for us either. He gives us
biblical precepts. We are to learn these precepts and learn to apply
them
to each particular case as God's Spirit and our pure conscience gives
us
leadership. If I were to write anything akin to rules, here they are:
1. Do not allow jewelry, makeup, or apparel draw great attention
to
themselves.
2. Do not allow them to draw great attention to the body.
3. Do not wear anything that sets you apart from others because
of its
great costliness.
4. Avoid adornment that gives you a proud or haughty look -
"shamefacedness."
5. Avoid adornment that makes you look trivial or silly - "sobriety."
6. Labor first to adorn the inner person with that meek and quiet
spirit
and try to sensibly show that on the outside.
7. Avoid a negligence of adornment that brings undue negative attention
and shows a disregard for God's creation in you.
I will quit with this. I hope this is a help to you.
Till He comes,
Pastor David Reagan