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◄ Being Modest►

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Definition and Scope:
Modesty, in a biblical context, refers to the virtue of humility and decency in behavior, speech, and dress. It is an attitude of the heart that reflects a commitment to honor God and respect others. Modesty is not merely about external appearance but encompasses a broader sense of propriety and self-control.

Biblical References:

1.1 Timothy 2:9-10 :
"Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God."
This passage emphasizes the importance of modesty in dress, urging believers to focus on inner beauty and good deeds rather than outward adornment.

2.1 Peter 3:3-4 :
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight."
Here, the apostle Peter highlights the value of inner beauty and a gentle spirit over external appearances, reinforcing the concept of modesty as an inward quality.

3.Proverbs 11:2 :
"When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom."
Modesty is closely linked to humility, as this proverb suggests. A modest person is wise, recognizing their dependence on God and the importance of living a life that reflects His values.

4.Philippians 2:3 :
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves."
Modesty involves putting others before oneself, avoiding actions driven by pride or vanity, and fostering a spirit of humility.

Theological Insights:

·Heart Attitude: Modesty is fundamentally about the heart's attitude. It is a reflection of one's relationship with God and a desire to live in a way that honors Him. The focus is on cultivating a heart that values humility, self-control, and respect for oneself and others.

·Cultural Context: While the biblical principles of modesty are timeless, the application can vary across cultures and eras. Believers are encouraged to discern how best to apply these principles in their specific cultural context, always aiming to reflect Christ's character.

·Gender Considerations: Although many biblical passages addressing modesty are directed towards women, the principles apply to all believers. Men and women alike are called to live modestly, demonstrating humility and self-control in all aspects of life.

·Witness to the World: Modesty serves as a witness to the world, showcasing a life transformed by the gospel. By living modestly, believers can point others to Christ, demonstrating the peace and contentment found in Him rather than in worldly appearances or achievements.

Practical Applications:

·Dress and Appearance: Believers are encouraged to dress in a way that is respectful and appropriate, avoiding extremes that draw undue attention to oneself. The goal is to reflect God's glory rather than personal vanity.

·Speech and Conduct: Modesty extends to speech and behavior, promoting purity, kindness, and respect in interactions with others. Believers are called to speak and act in ways that build others up and reflect Christ's love.

·Social Media and Technology: In the modern age, modesty also applies to one's online presence. Believers should be mindful of how they present themselves on social media, ensuring that their digital footprint aligns with their commitment to modesty and humility.

In summary, being modest is a comprehensive biblical principle that encompasses humility, self-control, and a focus on inner beauty. It is a reflection of one's devotion to God and a commitment to living a life that honors Him in all aspects.

Topical Bible Verses

1 Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with modesty and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 3:1-22
Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
Topicalbible.org

Deuteronomy 22:5
The woman shall not wear that which pertains to a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination to the LORD your God.
Topicalbible.org

Greek

53. hagnos -- free from ceremonial defilement, holy, sacred
... even within (even down to the center of one'sbeing); not with... From the same as hagios;
properly, clean, ie (figuratively) innocent,modest, perfect -- chaste...

4998. sophron -- of sound mind, self-controlled
... Definition: of sound mind, self-controlled, temperate, sober-minded,modest, chaste....
correctly (divinely) balanced (which is far more thanbeing "the middle of...

Library

Argument: the Charge of Our EntertainmentsBeing Polluted with...
... Chapter XXXI."Argument: The Charge of Our EntertainmentsBeing Polluted with Incest,
is Entirely... The Banquets of Christians are Not OnlyModest, But Temperate...

Confusion.
... It is the very material out of which all other goodness is made; and those who laugh
at, or torment, young people forbeing modest and bashful, are doing the...

At this Period of Time we Think Esther and Judith Lived...
... But she, more prudent than the foolish king, andbeing toomodest to make a show
of her person before the eyes of men, refused compliance with his orders....

Such Outward Adornments Meretricious, and Therefore Unsuitable to...
... prevent my spirit frombeing wounded by shamelessness through (the channel of) my
ears? Grant that it be lawful to assume the appearance of amodest woman: [260...

Of the Discipline and Advantage of Chastity.
... Chastity is alwaysmodest,being the mother of innocency; chastity is ever adorned
with modesty alone, then rightly conscious of its own beauty if it is...

To Sister Daniella of Orvieto Clothed with the Habit of Saint...
... It loves him as abeing created by the Highest Eternal Father.... It imposes restraint
on all the members of the body, that they bemodest and temperate: let the...

Desire to Please.
... heart; that, on the contrary, its development is due to the process of a constant
and almost insensible growth;being characteristicallymodest, calm, reserved...

Letter xiv. Dress.
... not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon." "Andbeing found in him... then,
may be summed up in the following particulars: 1. Amodest covering for our...

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace...
... But he,modest and gentle as he was, answered her nothing;[480] but the Lord... judgement
of the Lord, and crying out many times that she wasbeing suffocated by...

The Dove of God
... of love,' is therefore 'the Spirit of power.' The true type of Christian character,
which the gospel has brought intobeing, looksmodest, inconspicuous and...