Modesty is a character trait that the Bible frequently discusses, highlighting its importance for both men and women. The Bible encourages people to embrace modesty as a way of life, promoting humility, respect, and self-control. Humility is linked to modesty, with the Bible advising individuals to think of others more highly than themselves. Modesty, according to the Bible, promotes dignity and honor.
What the Bible Teaches About Modesty
The Bible teaches that modesty is more than just external presentation or clothing. It has more to do with a person’s behavior, motives, and heart condition. Modesty reflects a humble spirit, a respectful demeanor, and a mind tuned to serve others. The Bible instructs followers to act decently and properly, avoiding any behavior that may cause other people to stumble or sin. Modesty is a way of showing love to others and glorifying God.
Why Modesty Is Valued in the Bible
Modesty is highly valued in the Bible because it aligns with the virtues of self-control, respect, and humility. Modesty means not drawing attention to oneself through flashy show-offs or immodest behavior. Instead, it calls for a focus on inner beauty, kindness, and good deeds. The Bible encourages believers to showcase their faith through a gentle and quiet spirit, which is considered of great worth in God’s eyes.
Where the Bible Stresses Modesty
The theme of modesty is stressed throughout the Bible. However, it is particularly prominent in the teachings of Jesus and the letters of the apostles, where believers are continuously urged to live modestly. Modesty underlines the call to believers to be set apart, living lives that are noticeably different from the ways of the world. The Bible reminds believers that the world may judge by outward appearances, but God looks at the heart.
Who Should Practice Modesty According to the Bible
According to the Bible, all believers, both men and women, are called to practice modesty. Modesty is not a standard set only for a particular group or gender. Men and women are equally admonished to observe modesty in their dress, speech, and actions. The Bible makes it clear that modesty should be a defining attribute of any follower of Christ, not because it earns God’s acceptance, but because it reflects Christ’s character.
When Modesty Is Encouraged in the Bible
Modesty is encouraged in the Bible at all times, not only on specific occasions or in certain settings. In every aspect of life- whether it be in the way one speaks, dresses or acts- the principles of modesty are to be upheld. Modesty helps individuals live in harmony with others, steer clear of conflicts, and maintain a humble and quiet spirit. The Bible teaching on modesty serves as a practical guideline for Christian lifestyle and character formation.
Below is the full list of bible verses on modesty (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Modesty
1 Timothy 2:9
“9 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;”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Lust Health Holiness Omnipresence
1 Timothy 2:9-10
“9 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;10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
1 Peter 3:3-4
“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;4 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.”
Related Themes: Gold Humility Self-Esteem Jewelry Beauty
Proverbs 31:30
“30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Related Themes: Dating Vanity Beauty Self-Esteem
Proverbs 11:22
“22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.”
Deuteronomy 22:5
“5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
Matthew 5:28
“28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
“7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
Related Themes: Pride Self-Esteem Criticism Vanity Heart
1 Timothy 2:8-10
“8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.9 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;10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
Related Themes: Complaining Arguing Prayer Jewelry Doubt
1 Corinthians 12:23
“23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.”
1 Peter 3:1-4
“1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.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;4 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.”
1 Peter 3:3
“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;”
Related Themes: Gold Humility Self-Esteem Jewelry Beauty
1 John 2:16
“16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Related Themes: Pride Dating Food Health Technology
Matthew 5:27-28
“27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
1 Peter 5:5-6
“5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”
Related Themes: Humility Pride Humility Respecting Your Parents Children
Matthew 18:6-7
“6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!”
Related Themes: Children
Leviticus 19:28
“28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”
Related Themes: Jewelry Youth Hair Cleanliness
Proverbs 31:25
“25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”
Related Themes: Reputation Jewelry Strength Strangers
Proverbs 7:10
“10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.”
Related Themes: Lust
Romans 14:13
“13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”
Related Themes: Criticism Judging Others Jewelry Obstacles
1 Peter 5:5
“5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Related Themes: Humility Pride Humility Respecting Your Parents Children
John 7:24
“24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
Related Themes: Judging Others Discernment Criticism Resolving Conflict
1 Corinthians 6:19
“19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Lust Health Holiness Omnipresence
Matthew 6:1
“1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
Romans 12:1
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
1 Corinthians 12:22-24
“22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:”
Related Themes: Self Respect
1 Thessalonians 4:2-10
“2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;”
Related Themes: Lust
