"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." I. Timothy 2:9-10

In Paul's epistle to Timothy, he emphasizes the importance of modest apparel for the woman. Today's society does not accept this portion of the Word of God but chooses to embrace the doctrines of feminism. Therefore, a modestly clad woman is often seen as a fanatic, cultish, or just plain old-fashioned. But if we look at the first four words of I. Timothy 2:9, we will see these words, "In like manner also." To fully understand this prepositional phrase we have to examine the 8th verse.

This short verse displays Paul's desire as a "teacher of the Gentiles" (vs. 7) that men would pray in every place without the emotions of doubt or wrath. He even included the long forgotten standard of the lifting of the hands during prayer. In other words, Paul believed that men should be willing and desirous to pray in every place and should do this in an outward way so others could see their faith and commitment. So, when verse 9 begins with, "In like manner also," a comparison is being made between how men should show their faith in prayer to how the woman is to adorn herself.

Women, how we adorn ourselves shows the world and God our commitment to our faith. Modest apparel covers the body. It does not outline our most private areas like pants and shorts do. Culottes are only glorified, big-legged shorts/pants. If a woman can't do the job in a modest dress in a modest way she certainly should NOT be doing that job. And, yes, braided hair, the wearing of jewelry, and the adornment of expensive clothing is prohibited. Notice that the end of verse 10 tells us our dress is not important but the good works we do is where our emphasis should be placed. Our dress is our outward showing of our obedience to God. Our heart's desire is what the Father views. What goes on in our hearts should be reflected about our whole being. The world doesn't know your heart. Outward works are how they judge you and your commitment to God.

But that is not all. There are other reasons for modest apparel. Read I. Corinthians 11:1-15. This chapter reveals the headship order of the home. Verse 3 reads, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man' and the head of Christ is God." Verse 7 reads, "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man." Verse 15 reads, "But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering." These verses tell us the God ordained headship order and the glory order. Christ's head is God, the man's head is Christ, the woman's head is the man. Then, we see the man is not to cover his head because he is the "image and glory of God." This means no hats or other coverings. The woman's glory, her hair, is to be covered. Why? God said so and to not bring undue attention to her glory. The man who is the image and glory of God is to be uncovered. What about the man's glory - the woman? She is to be covered so that God's glory will be displayed. In other words, the woman's glory (her hair) is to be covered. The man's glory (the woman) is to be covered. Then the man's head is to be uncovered so that the glory of God is being shown. We all have been given a "glory." But, covering and diminishing our glories is another way we can worship the Lord.

Ladies this is another reason for totally covering yourselves. Why do most women show their bodies? It is usually because they are proud of how they look and want to show themselves to others (vanity and pride) or to attract the eye (lust) of men. Woman who do not respect God enough to cover themselves appropriately are enticing the lust of men and invoking the desire of other women (in many cases) to show their bodies. And yes, when a woman wears pants or shorts she shows the outline and form of her body. Particular attention is given to outlining her more private areas and invoking the lusts of men.

A woman in the Bible, named Jezebel, also refused to maintain a shamefaced appearance. According to II. Kings 9:30, she painted her face and "tired" her hair. This was only a symptom of the inner workings of her heart. She was a deceptive and evil woman. In describing this woman throughout I. and II. Kings the Lord felt it important to mention how she conducted herself, wore her hair, and adorned makeup. If the Lord found it noteworthy then so much more should we.

Don't let feminism and woman's rights cloud the scriptures. True femininity and beauty is found in following the Word of God. Woman who give up the trappings and conventions of the world and separate themselves in the name of the Lord find joy, peace, and true happiness. If you need a place to start, we have provided some very good links below. Also, click on our headcovering link on the home page. We want to mention again that the following links have been chosen as to their excellent resourceful information. We do not necessarily believe everything presented on every website link. If you would like anything clarified related to our Bible-based convictions don't hesitate to email us. We welcome suggestions, personal convictions, and additional link suggestions you may have found helpful.