Modesty: Not My List

Posted on May 7, 2010

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Here is I Timothy 2: 9,10

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.

Here are the definitions of some of the Greek words used in these verses:

Modest— kosmios kos’-mee-os (in its primary sense); orderly, i.e. decorous:–of good behaviour, modest.

Propriety– aidos ahee-doce’ (through the idea of downcast eyes); bashfulness, i.e. (towards men), modesty or (towards God) awe:–reverence, shamefacedness.

Moderation– sophrosune so-fros-oo’-nay ; soundness of mind, i.e. (literally) sanity or (figuratively) self-control:–soberness, sobriety.

Proper– prepo prep’-o apparently a primary verb; to tower up (be conspicuous), i.e. (by implication) to be suitable or proper (third person singular present indicative, often used impersonally, it is fit or right):–become, comely.

Godliness- theosebeia theh-os-eb’-i-ah ; devoutness, i.e. piety:–godliness.

So here are a list of words that should come to our minds when we make wardrobe choices:

Orderly
Decorous
Of good behavior
Modest
Bashfulness
Modesty toward men
Awe toward God
Reverence toward God
Shamefacedness
Propriety
Moderation
Soundness of Mind
Self-control
Soberness
Sobriety
Proper
Suitable
Right
Comely
Becoming
Devoutness
Piety
Godliness

Now, you may be thinking that Mrs. Cindy Colley and Hannah are getting way too serious about picking out what to wear in the mornings. Well, while I understand that you only have a moment in your hurried morning to get your “look” together, do keep in mind that the above list didn’t actually come from Mrs. Cindy Colley or Hannah. That list came from the Greek definitions of words used by the Holy Spirit.

Notice next that Matthew 5:28 indicates that it is possible for a man to commit adultery in his heart just by looking on a woman to lust. Think about these two passages and make a mental list of some of today’s styles that should be avoided by those who really want to dress modestly and in deference to men around them who really want to keep their thoughts pure.

In making your lists, did you consider the types of clothing typically worn at pool parties or at the beach? Can we honestly characterize swimwear as modest apparel? Have you thought about typical cheer uniforms? I’ve thought a lot about modesty in relation to this activity. I believe Christian girls should avoid wearing the kinds of clothing typically worn by cheerleaders as well as the lewd movements that have become a part of so many cheer routines in high schools today. Are there other activities that should be avoided because of the type of clothing worn?

Taken from Pure on Purpose, by Cindy and Hannah Colley, Colley Books, Huntsville, AL