The Absurdity of Shame: A Biblical Perspective

Lesson Transcript

For if it is always a shame for the woman to be shaven, then it is always a shame for her to uncover herself. By pointing out this absurdity, Paul shames the Corinthians, severely reprimanding them, saying, "But if she is not covered, then she should be shorn." It's as if he said, "If you discard the covering set forth by God's law, go ahead and cut off all your hair.

That's just as disgraceful." But if anyone asks, "No, we cannot accept this, how can it be a disgrace that the woman rises to the man's glory?" we respond with this, "She doesn't. She doesn't rise, but instead she falls from her own distinct honor." Because not staying within our own boundaries and the laws established by God, but stepping outside of them, is not an enhancement but a reduction. It is the same for the thief who covets the possessions of others and takes what is not his own.

He has not gained anything. What he had has diminished. He has lost even the dignity that he had. So too it is the same. The woman does not acquire a man's dignity, but loses even the propriety, which she had.