“In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works” (1 Tim. 2:9-10).

In a previous article, we studied the instructions given to Timothy regarding men leading prayer. Paul then turned his attention to the women.

In like manner is Paul’s way of linking these instructions to the women with the previous instructions given to the men. Just as men are to be holy in their manner of life (v. 8), so also are the women.

Instead of talking about women leading prayers, Paul speaks of the way they are to adorn themselves. “Adorn” is from the Greek word kosmeo which means to arrange or put in proper order; to decorate. One writer has said the word means to “cause something to have an attractive appearance through decoration.”

The New Testament does not command a woman to neglect her appearance or make herself look plain. She is given beauty by God and has the right to enjoy an attractive appearance through the way she dresses and presents herself. However, Paul sets forth principles that she must follow in doing so.

Women are to adorn themselves in modest apparel. This instruction is rendered “respectable apparel” in the ESV and “proper clothing” in the NASB. Modest is from the Greek word kosmios, which is related to the word for adorn. It refers to that which is orderly, well-arranged, or seemly. The term is a state of mind that expresses a humble estimation of oneself before God and others. It is the opposite of boldness or arrogance; not seeking to show off or promote self. It refers to dress or behavior that is proper for the given situation; that does not attract undue attention to oneself.

Paul says a woman’s choice of apparel is to be further guided by propriety and moderation. 

Propriety is from the Greek word aidos which refers to a sense of shame (the KJV renders this word as shamefacedness).  Every culture has customs and standards regarding dress and demeanor. As long as these customs don’t violate commands or principles set forth in Scripture, propriety will encourage a Christian to respect these customs. In addition, propriety will cause a Christian to feel a sense of shame when they cross these lines and violate these standards.

The companion principle moderation is translated from the Greek word sophrosune which refers to soundness of mind or self-control. This is an individual’s self-government that holds a constant rein on all passions and desires, thus hindering them from dressing or acting in an immodest manner.

These three words (modesty, propriety, and moderation) work together to guide the Christian woman in choosing her apparel. Modesty is her desire to have everything orderly and well arranged; propriety tells her to recognize acceptable standards; and moderation calls for her to abide within these standards. Although these instructions are given to women, the principles equally apply to men.

Paul gives four examples of the kind of adorning that is to be avoided. “Not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly clothing.”

It is not a sin for a Christian woman to braid her hair. Paul is speaking of the elaborate hairdos of Roman society. Historians have written of the extravagance of some Roman women who were of the wealthy class. “The hair was piled high and decorated with costly jewels. No expense was spared to make them dazzling.” Servants would spend hours weaving strands of silver or gold into layers of hair interlaced with emeralds and pearls. They would then dress in costly clothing and parade themselves to be admired by others.

Paul says such adorning is not “proper for women professing godliness.” It is not fitting or suitable for such women. Professing is translated from the Greek word epaggello which referred to an announcement or proclamation one makes about themselves. It was a weighty term, having to do with an assertion that an individual is well-accomplished in some area; involving a promise and a sense of obligation to fulfill that promise.

It is not possible for a woman to profess or make a claim to godliness if she is bragging about her wealth by wearing an ostentatious hairdo and expensive clothing.

The immediate context of this passage forbids a Christian woman from “overdressing.” Such attire is purposely designed to draw the attention of others – a direct violation of the principle of modesty. A woman can’t profess godliness if she is purposely drawing attention to her worldly status and wealth. However, the principles also apply to the opposite extreme. Modesty, propriety, and moderation will restrain a godly woman from underdressing. It is impossible to profess godliness while wearing “the attire of a harlot” (Prov. 7:10). Such attire is purposely designed to invite sexual interests from others.

These principles need to be followed when dressing outside of the church assembly. Christian women should be making a claim to godliness in every aspect of their lives. Our culture gives us opportunities to dress in different ways. Special occasions call for formal wear. Vacation and recreation can call for swimwear. However, the Christian who takes their faith seriously will be careful to dress in a way that continues to profess godliness. Parts of the body that God intended to be covered (the chest, the buttocks, and the thighs) will continue to be covered.

These principles also need to be followed when dressing for the assemblies of the church. We are living in a time when standards are becoming more relaxed and casual. Sunday morning attire used to be a dress for the women and a tie and jacket for them men. This is no longer the case. However, the Christian woman (and man) should be professing godliness. This word is from the Greek term theosebeia which denotes a fear and reverence towards God. If we are professing a fear and reverence towards God, shouldn’t that be reflected in the clothing we wear when we assemble to worship Him?

“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh” (Gen. 41:14). In that situation, it was not appropriate for Joseph to approach the ruler of Egypt without being presentable in appearance. When we assemble for worship, we are approaching the Ruler of the Universe. Is this a time to be casual in our appearance?

God does see what is in our hearts. That is important to Him. However, it also matters how we adorn ourselves.