Introductory Thoughts
Many Bible words have been subjected to loose interpretations and the word modest is one such word. Generally, today’s passage is used to teach that a lady’s apparel ought to be loose fitting and flowing. Though this is certainly true, that is not the primary interpretation and application. Something that is modest is something that is not extravagant. In fact, the Lord placed an explanation within the passage. The lady was not to adorn herself with such items as “gold, or pearls, or costly array.” In other words, a person should not dress in a way that would purposely draw the attention of others to the attire itself (see 1 Peter 3:3-5). This includes insuring that clothes are not form fitting, but the application has a much broader context.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): We should not want to draw attention to ourselves through our clothing or our jewelry. As a beautiful queen, Vashti had expensive clothes and jewels, yet she refused her wicked husbands command to show off in front of his friends (Esther 1:10-12).
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(For everyone): Do your clothes suggest that you are wealthy? Do they draw the attention of others? Do you wear things that suggest that you are haughty (Isaiah 3:16)?
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Do your clothes inappropriately draw the attention of those of the opposite gender? Do you wear things for the purpose of pleasing the Lord or appealing to the eyes of man?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give you a humility in your attire.
- Ask the Lord to work in your heart concerning your clothes.
Song
TEMPLES OF THE HOLY GHOST
