What Is Biblical Modesty?

This short Bible study explains what Scripture teaches about modesty.

Before doing this Bible study, please read the one-minute introduction Why Modesty is Getting a Bad Rap. It explains that many women see modesty as a sexist concept meant to blame women for male lust. 

Has a woman ever been blamed for her rape or abuse? Yes. But that does not represent the biblical concept of modesty, nor does it represent the Christian attitude toward sexual abuse. 

Let's look at what Scripture teaches in regard to modesty.

1. A vivid illustration.

Proverbs 11:22: Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.    

The Hebrew word for discretion is taam and it literally means "taste." Used figuratively in this passage, it describes a woman who lacks good taste or a woman who lacks good judgement. Modesty is directly related to our world view, our view of ourselves, and our view of Scripture.

This short Bible study explains what Scripture teaches about modesty.
2. 
Mo
desty is an attitude as well as a behavior. 

1 Timothy 2:9-10: I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.  

The Greek word Kosmios used to describe clothing in verse 9, means "orderly, virtuous, decent, modest, well-ordered."

1 Peter 3:3-4: Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Modesty means we don't try to impress people with expensive clothing nor with our body. It's defined differently by different cultures, but it's not difficult to determine what is culturally and biblically modest.

3. Representing Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

The way we dress should reflect our faith and our Christian moral values. 

4. Refusing to tempt others.

Matthew 18:7: Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!

A man can lust for a woman even when she is dressed modestly. She is not responsible for his lust and she certainly isn't responsible for his decision to follow that lust and do something abusive. Rapists cannot use a woman's immodesty as an excuse. 

However, just as it's sinful to invite an alcoholic friend to a wine-tasting party, it's sinful to dress immodestly around men.  


This short Bible study explains what Scripture teaches about modesty.


The One Thing Esau Did Right - A Short Bible Study

This short Bible study discusses the way an unlikely Bible character returned good for evil.

Before doing this study, please read the one-minute introduction: One Thing Esau Did Right. It explains that even though Esau's life was not a good example, he did show grace and forgiveness toward Jacob later in life.

Have you ever had a family member who deceived you and/or mistreated you? 

How can the following Scriptures help you deal with difficult relationships?  

Philippians 4:12-13: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

This short Bible study discusses the way an unlikely Bible character returned good for evil.
While this passage does not directly address relationships, Paul wrote Philippians while he was in prison, and during that time, some professing Christians were trying to stir up trouble for him (Philippians 1:15-21). In Philippians 4:12-13, he is speaking specifically about being content when his basic needs are not met, but the principle applies in all areas of our lives.

When people mistreat us, we should seek our contentment in the Lord, knowing He is able to use bad situations for our good (Romans 8:28).

Romans 12:17-21: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Obviously, we cannot reconcile with anyone who is unwilling, but it's important that we learn to be content and forgiving. Perhaps this is one of the hardest aspects of our faith in Christ—to return good for evil, to do our best when others are doing their worst, to love when others hate. 

I think you'll find this one-minute devotion helpful: Didn't Want to Do It, but Did It Anyway

Joseph is our perfect example. I encourage you to read this collection of 1-Minute Devotions about Joseph for more insights. 

Copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated in 2023


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Esau Sought Instant Gratification

A short Bible study about Esau and the damage of instant gratification.

As an introduction to this study, read the one-minute devotion
Living in the Moment Can Make a Mess of Your Life.

It explains how Esau lacked self-control and demanded instant gratification, giving up his inheritance for a bowl of stew. He serves as a “good bad example” for us.


Genesis 25:29-34:  “Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, ‘Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!’ (That is why he was also called Edom.) 31 Jacob replied, ‘First sell me your birthright.’ 32 ‘Look, I am about to die,’ Esau said. ‘What good is the birthright to me?’ 33 But Jacob said, ‘Swear to me first.’ So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.

As the oldest son, Esau had the right to a double-portion inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17), but he was “living in the moment” so he gave it up for a single meal, and he lived to regret it.

Hebrews 12:16-17: “See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.”

Esau lived to regret his decision but was unable to reverse it. “Living in the moment” leads to bondage, loss, and regret. Self-control, delayed gratification, and patience lead to freedom. Let's choose freedom!

1. Patience and self-control are fruits of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23:  “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

Patience: “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.” Synonyms: forbearance, tolerance, restraint, self-restraint 

Self-control: the ability to control oneself, in particular one's emotions and desires or the expression of them in one's behavior, especially in difficult situations." Synonyms: self-discipline, restraint, self-possession, self-command, willpower, composure 

Obviously, there is some overlap, but patience is typically acceptance of situations we can't control and self-control is managing emotions and actions under our control. Patience may seem more passive and self-control more active, but patience still involves diligent management of thoughts and perspective. 

Esau had neither patience nor self-control when he gave up his birthright for a bowl of stew.

2. We need to do our part to develop godly qualities.

God changes our hearts as we yield ourselves to His will, “putting off” our old sinful nature and 
putting on our new nature in Christ. Ephesians 4:17-32 and Philippians 2:12-13 speak about our obligation. For more insights, see the one-minute devotion Our Part and God's Part

3. Why is the verb "clothed" a fitting analogy?

Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” 

I love this analogy of clothing ourselves in these qualities. For more insights, read the one-minute devotion Wrap Yourself in These Things Like a Warm Coat on a Cold Day.

 
Copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, updated in 2024

A short Bible study about Esau and the damage of instant gratification.


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