Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Overview:Modesty, in a biblical context, refers to the quality of humility and decency in behavior, speech, and dress. It is an attitude of the heart that reflects a reverence for God and respect for oneself and others. Modesty is not merely about external appearance but is deeply rooted in one's character and relationship with God.
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, suggesting that true beauty is found in good deeds and a heart devoted to God rather than in 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 focus is on the inner beauty that reflects a gentle and quiet spirit, which is highly valued by God.
3.
Proverbs 31:30 : "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." This verse highlights the transient nature of physical beauty and the enduring value of a life lived in reverence to God.
Principles of Modesty:·
Humility: Modesty is closely linked to humility, recognizing one's worth in God's eyes without seeking attention or approval from others. It involves a humble attitude that prioritizes God's glory over personal display.
·
Decency and Respect: Modesty involves dressing and behaving in a way that respects oneself and others. It avoids drawing undue attention and maintains a sense of propriety and respectability.
·
Self-Control: Modesty requires self-control, particularly in resisting societal pressures to conform to immodest standards. It involves making choices that align with biblical values rather than cultural trends.
·
Inner Beauty: The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of inner beauty over outward appearance. A modest person cultivates qualities such as kindness, gentleness, and a quiet spirit, which are of great worth in God's sight.
Cultural and Historical Context:In biblical times, modesty was often reflected in clothing choices that were appropriate for one's social and religious context. The emphasis was on simplicity and avoiding extravagance that could lead to pride or distraction from one's spiritual life. The cultural norms of modesty have varied throughout history, but the underlying biblical principles remain constant.
Application for Today:In contemporary society, modesty continues to be a relevant and important virtue for Christians. It challenges believers to consider how their choices in dress, speech, and behavior reflect their faith and values. Modesty calls for a counter-cultural stance that prioritizes godliness and integrity over societal approval.
Conclusion:Modesty, as taught in the Bible, is a reflection of a heart devoted to God. It is an expression of humility, self-control, and respect for oneself and others. By embracing modesty, believers demonstrate their commitment to living a life that honors God and reflects His character to the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The quality or state of being modest; that lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimate of one's own worth and importance; absence of self-assertion, arrogance, and presumption; humility respecting one's own merit.
2. (n.) Natural delicacy or shame regarding personal charms and the sexual relation; purity of thought and manners; due regard for propriety in speech or action.
Greek
127. aidos -- a sense of shame... a sense of shame. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aidos Phonetic
Spelling: (ahee-doce') Short Definition: shame,
modesty Definition: shame
...5012. tapeinophrosune -- lowliness of mind, humility
... Feminine Transliteration: tapeinophrosune Phonetic Spelling: (tap-i-nof-ros-oo'-
nay) Short Definition: humility Definition: humility, lowliness of mind,modesty...
Strong's Hebrew
6038. anavah -- humility... gentleness, humility, meekness. From anav; condescension, human and subjective
(
modesty), or divine and objective (clemency) -- gentleness, humility, meekness.
...Library
OnModesty
OnModesty. <. OnModesty Tertullian. Translated by Rev. S. Thelwall Table
of Contents. Title Page. Chapter I.Modesty, the flower of manners....
WhetherModesty is a Part of Temperance?
... OFMODESTY (TWO ARTICLES) Whethermodesty is a part of temperance? Objection
1: It would seem thatmodesty is not a part of temperance....
OfModesty (Two Articles)
... OFMODESTY (TWO ARTICLES). We must now considermodesty: and (1)Modesty in general;
(2) Each of its species.... (1) Whethermodesty is a part of temperance?...
WhetherModesty is Only About Outward Actions?
... OFMODESTY (TWO ARTICLES) Whethermodesty is only about outward actions? Objection
1: It would seem thatmodesty is only about outward actions....
Whether Humility is a Part ofModesty or Temperance?
... OF HUMILITY (SIX ARTICLES) Whether humility is a part ofmodesty or temperance?...
Therefore apparently humility is not a part of temperance ormodesty....
Introduction.Modesty to be Observed not Only in Its Essence, but...
... Book II. Chapter I."Introduction.Modesty to Be Observed Not Only in Its
Essence, But in Its Accessories. Handmaids of the living...
On the Different Functions ofModesty. ...
... On the different functions ofmodesty.? On the different functions ofmodesty.... 67.
Lovely, then, is the virtue ofmodesty, and sweet is its grace!...
OfModesty as Consisting in the Outward Movements of the Body...
... OFMODESTY AS CONSISTING IN THE OUTWARD MOVEMENTS OF THE BODY (FOUR ARTICLES).
We must next considermodesty as consisting in the...
A Confession of theModesty which Made us Ashamed to Reveal Our...
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter XII. A confession of themodesty
which made us ashamed to reveal our thoughts to the elders....
OfModesty in the Outward Apparel (Two Articles)
... OFMODESTY IN THE OUTWARD APPAREL (TWO ARTICLES). We must now considermodesty
as connected with the outward apparel, and under this...
Thesaurus
Modesty (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Modesty (4 Occurrences).
... 1 Timothy 5:2 the elder women
too as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with perfect
modesty. (WEY).
...Decency (1 Occurrence)
... of form in social intercourse, in actions, or in discourse; proper formality; becoming
ceremony; seemliness; hence, freedom from obscenity or indecorum;modesty...
Modestly (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 2:9 in like manner also the women, in becoming apparel, withmodesty and
sobriety to adorn themselves, not in braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or...
Blush (16 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To become suffused with red in the cheeks, as from a sense of shame,modesty,
or confusion; to become red from such cause, as the cheeks or face....
Shame (412 Occurrences)
... by a consciousness of guilt or impropriety, or of having done something which injures
reputation, or of the exposure of that which nature ormodesty prompts us...
Shameless (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Destitute of shame; wantingmodesty;
brazen-faced; insensible to disgrace. 2. (a.) Indicating...
Modin
Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... 6. (a.) Being a virgin; chaste; of or pertaining to a virgin; becoming a virgin;
maidenly; modest; indicatingmodesty; as, a virgin blush....
Indecency (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality or state of being indecent;
want of decency,modesty, or good manners; obscenity....
Indecent (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Not decent; unfit to be seen or heard; offensive
tomodesty and delicacy; as, indecent language. Multi-Version Concordance...
Resources
What does it mean to dress modestly? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do Muslim women have to wear a hijab? | GotQuestions.orgModesty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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