If you've been walking with Jesus for any amount of time, I'm sure you've heard the modesty talk or have been affected by modesty culture. Maybe you've witnessed the cute reels online of women sharing their modest journeys and transitions. If you're new to this, you've come to the right place and asked the right questions. Since the Bible tells us to be modest, is immodesty a sin, and why? Let's take a short moment to discover what the Bible has to say about immodesty.
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What the Bible Says About Modesty
So, what does the Bible say about modesty? There are plenty of scriptures in the Old Testament and New Testament. But the two main scriptures are in 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Peter 3:3-4.
"And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes." - 1 Timothy 2:9
"Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."
- 1 Peter 3:3-4
These two scriptures have been the bedrock of many modesty teachings and are the most specific. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 addresses specific clothing and works, while 1 Peter 3:3-4 deals with the inner nature being most important.
As we've talked about in other blogs, the definition of modesty in Greek is aidos, it means to be ashamed, shamefaced, and reverence. It means to be careful and cautious with choosing your clothing, to be bashful when showing too much, and to worship God. Another definition is humility and self-control which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
So modesty ultimately begins in a heart that is humble, pure and respects God, then it transforms outwardly.
What the Bible Says About Immodesty
The definition of immodesty is indecency and lacking humility. It means to be improper, naughty, and immoral. It's the opposite of what you read above. Instead of being bashful and cautious about revealing too much, there's a wonton freedom about sensual self-expression. There's no regard for God and your body being a vessel for Him.
The best way I can describe this to you is by showing you two vivid descriptions in scripture. Most women in the church are familiar with Proverbs 31, however, did you know the opposite of the Proverbs 31 woman is the Proverbs 7 woman?
Prostitutes dress immodestly to advertise their business. You know when you see a sex worker on the corner because of her attire. Immodesty is usually accompanied by promiscuity and is often reserved as "night out" attire. The Bible says the Proverbs 7 woman used her looks to draw in her prey while her husband was away. So immodesty is used as a form of sensual manipulation to attract attention from men or women in a lustful setting.
Conclusion
The Bible tells us in Romans 6:13, "Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have a new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God."
Your body is a temple of God's Holy Spirit and His Holy Presence can only dwell in pure and holy bodies. For you to transform from immodesty to modesty, you have to study God's word to change your mind about your body image and God's will.
If you need help with body image and self-esteem issues that are keeping you from obedience, I'd love to support your journey as your coach. Check out Christianbodyimage.com and sign up for a free consultation.
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