Bible Verses About Modesty

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

Direct Bible passage on modest apparel and avoiding costly clothing

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.

Direct Bible passage on inward beauty of heart and spirit

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

Direct Bible passage against outward adornment of braids and gold

But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Completes the 1 Timothy 2 teaching with good works

And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

Supports modesty as honorable treatment of what is less honorable

Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.

Positive ornament imagery, but not the page's topic

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Pattern of good works, not modesty specifically

Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

General good works text only

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Used in Christian teaching on good works and faithful conduct

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:

Adds the model of holy women and subjection

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

Adorning doctrine with good works parallels inner virtue

We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.

Ornaments imagery in Song of Songs

While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Short phrase about chaste conversation with fear

And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.

Jewelry offering context, not a modesty command

We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD.

Ornaments listed as spoil/prize, only background

I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.

Adornment imagery in another context

And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head.

Adornment imagery in another context

The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,

Jewelry list, not direct teaching

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Connects female modesty with discretion and chastity

For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Garland/neck ornament imagery

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

Nakedness imagery only

The rings, and nose jewels,

Jewelry list, not direct teaching

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

General holiness language, but not directly about modesty

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

General purity command often linked to modest conduct

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Speech integrity, not modesty teaching

For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

General shame language about secret sins