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Adorned With Dignity: Modest Apparel For The Godly Woman
Many preachers and commentators point to Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 3:15 as the focal point of his first letter to Timothy. Paul states, “if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). The purpose of Paul’s instructions and exhortations to Timothy regarding combating false doctrine (1:3-20; 6:1-10), public worship (2:1-8), the selection of elders and deacons (3:1-13), training in righteousness (4:6-16), interpersonal relationships between brethren (5:1-4, 17-22), and the caring of widows (5:5-16) are all in the service of teaching the brethren how to conduct themselves. Part of this concerns how women should dress in the assembly (2:9-10).
Although Paul’s statements regarding women’s modesty begin in verse 9, he begins this section by addressing the manner in which men should pray in the assembly. Paul states that they should be, “lifting up holy hands without anger or quarreling” (v. 8). He is referring to the heart of the individual participating in the public worship. Then, in verse 9, Paul states, “likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel…” Paul is making the point that the woman’s outward appearance is a reflection of the inward quality of her heart, just as the man’s outward attitude during public worship is a reflection of the inward quality of his heart. What should her clothing say about her inward attitude? Her appearance should reflect “modesty and self-control” (v. 9). When we consider modesty, most of the time we are concerned with coverage, and that is an issue the Christian needs to deal with when making decisions on what they will wear. However, Paul’s point has more to do with the Christian woman dressing in a manner that reflects purity and piety.
Paul speaks out against being adorned with braided hair, costly pearls, and gold. Paul isn’t forbidding braids or jewelry, but the Christian woman shouldn’t be using these to draw vain attention to herself. Some biblical scholars have stated that Paul’s teaching regarding braided hair is in reaction to the culture surrounding the church in Ephesus. According to ancient sources, it was not uncommon to find temple prostitutes outside the temple of Diana adorned with extravagantly braided hair with gold and jewels. The Christian woman ought to abstain from that appearance, and show that she is unlike the sinful, worldly women she is surrounded by. The Christian is commanded to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (Rom. 12:2). Our apparel shouldn’t be the exception.
What should a woman “who professes godliness” be adorned with? Paul states it should be “modesty and self control”. In 1 Peter 3:4, Peter says their adornment should be “the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” This may not be a popular point with our current society, but I’m sure Paul, Peter, Timothy, and the godly women of the first century experienced some push-back as well. In any case, the Christian woman’s “gentle and quiet spirit” isn’t meant to appease society, but “in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Pet. 3:4). Instead of focusing on what society says is beautiful, adorn yourself with good works, decency, and propriety. Allow strength and dignity to be your clothing, (Prov. 31:25).
As Christians, whatever we do “in word or deed” must be done in the name of our Lord Jesus (Col. 3:17). Our outward appearance should be included in that. Let us focus on being good, modest members of the Lord’s church.
