“In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with brooded hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” – (1Timothy 2 9-10). Mr. Rushmore, this verse not only speaks of apparel, but of jewelry as well. So…should I throw out my gold earrings? ~ Eve Lopez
The Scripture to which the querist refers is similar to the following passage.
“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; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 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. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement” (1 Peter 3:1-6).
Both 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:1-6 mention apparel. In the latter passage, apparel or clothes are enumerated in the negative list. Certainly, the apostle Peter is not urging Christian women to forgo wearing clothes ¾ that is, go naked. Neither the apostle Paul nor the apostle Peter, likewise, forbids one’s adornment with jewelry. However, gaudy and extravagant adornment can displace or lessen the effect of inward, spiritual adornment. Both passages present a contrast for the sake of emphasis where the point is that inward, spiritual adornment is more precious to God (and Christianity) than outward, physical adornment. Religious people who make the wearing of jewelry a doctrinal issue make a law where God’s Word did not legislate.
