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What Does the Bible Say About Jewelry? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Jewelry?

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Introduction

Jewelry has always been a part of human culture, serving as a form of adornment and a symbol of wealth and status. While jewelry is often seen as a way to express one’s personality and style, Christians may wonder what the Bible has to say about it.

As followers of Christ, it’s important to seek guidance from the Bible on how to approach jewelry in a way that honors God.

The Bible provides various perspectives on the use of jewelry, including its symbolism as a reflection of wealth and status, its use as a form of adornment, and the potential for idolatry. By examining these perspectives, Christians can learn how to use jewelry in a way that reflects the character of Christ.

In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about jewelry and how it should be used by Christians. We will examine specific Bible passages on jewelry, consider the historical context of jewelry in the Bible, and provide practical applications for using jewelry in a way that honors God.

Whether you wear jewelry every day or only on special occasions, this article will provide valuable insight into how to approach jewelry from a biblical perspective.

jewelry in the Bible

The Historical Context of Jewelry in the Bible

In biblical times, jewelry held a significant cultural and societal status. It was often a symbol of wealth and status and was used to demonstrate the skill and creativity of artisans.

Jewelry was also worn as a form of adornment, with various types of jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. However, some types of jewelry were associated with idolatry, which was a significant concern in biblical times.

The Bible’s View on Jewelry

The Bible provides several perspectives on the use of jewelry.

Jewelry as a Symbol of Wealth and Status

In several instances, jewelry was used to symbolize wealth and status. For example, in Genesis 24:22-47, Rebekah was given jewelry as a gift to symbolize her worthiness to marry Isaac.

Joseph was also given a gold chain by Pharaoh as a symbol of his authority (Genesis 41:42), and Esther wore jewelry to adorn herself for her marriage to King Ahasuerus (Esther 2:17).

Jewelry as a Form of Adornment

Jewelry was also used as a form of artistic expression and to enhance natural beauty. In Ezekiel 16:8-14, God describes how He adorned Jerusalem with jewelry as a symbol of His covenant with the city.

Similarly, the bride in the Song of Solomon is adorned with jewelry as a symbol of her beauty (Song of Solomon 1:10-11).

Jewelry as a Symbol of Idolatry

While jewelry can be used for personal adornment, it can also be associated with idolatry. In Exodus 33:1-6, God commanded the Israelites to remove their jewelry as a sign of repentance for their idolatry with the golden calf.

Similarly, in Hosea 2:13, God rebukes Israel for using jewelry as a means of worshiping false gods.

Jewelry as a Reflection of Inner Beauty

The Bible also highlights the importance of inner beauty and character over outward appearance, including jewelry. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, Peter instructs women to focus on their inner beauty rather than their outward appearance, including their jewelry.

Similarly, in Proverbs 31:30, it is said that “charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Examples of Biblical Figures who Wore Jewelry

Several biblical figures also wore jewelry, including King Solomon (Song of Solomon 3:9-10), Queen Vashti (Esther 1:11), and the prodigal son (Luke 15:22).

Specific Bible Passages on Jewelry

Several specific Bible passages address the use of jewelry, including:

Genesis 24:22-47 – Rebekah and the Jewelry

This passage describes how Rebekah was given jewelry by Abraham’s servant as a gift to symbolize her worthiness to marry Isaac.

Exodus 33:1-6 – The Israelites and the Jewelry

This passage describes how God commanded the Israelites to remove their jewelry as a sign of repentance for their idolatry with the golden calf.

Ezekiel 16:8-14 – God’s Covenant with Jerusalem and the Jewelry

In this passage, God describes how He adorned Jerusalem with jewelry as a symbol of His covenant with the city.

1 Timothy 2:9-10 – Paul’s Instructions to Women on Jewelry

In this passage, Paul instructs women to dress modestly, with “respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”

Application of the Bible’s View on Jewelry Today

As Christians, we must be cautious in our use of jewelry. We should avoid using it to promote our wealth and status or to promote idolatry. Instead, we should use it as a form of adornment that reflects our inner beauty and character. Here are some practical applications of the Bible’s view on jewelry today:

Consider the Purpose and Motivation for Wearing Jewelry

We should ask ourselves why we are wearing jewelry. Is it to show off our wealth or status? Or are we using it to enhance our natural beauty and express our creativity?

Choose Appropriate Jewelry for the Occasion

We should choose jewelry that is tasteful and appropriate for the occasion and does not draw unnecessary attention to ourselves. For example, it may be inappropriate to wear large, flashy jewelry to a funeral or other solemn occasion.

Avoid Jewelry that Promotes Pride or Arrogance

We should avoid jewelry that promotes pride or arrogance, such as large or flashy pieces. Our focus should be on glorifying God, not promoting ourselves.

Focus on Inner Beauty and Character

We should remember that inner beauty and character are more important than outward appearance, including jewelry. Our goal should be to reflect the character of Christ through our actions and attitudes, not through our possessions.

Use Jewelry to Express Creativity and Artistic Ability

We should use jewelry as a means of expressing creativity and artistic ability, not just as a symbol of status or wealth.

Be Aware of the Potential for Idolatry

We should be aware of the potential for idolatry in the pursuit of material possessions, including jewelry. Remember that God should be our focus, not our possessions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as Christians, it is important to consider what the Bible says about jewelry and how we should use it.

The Bible provides various perspectives on the use of jewelry, including its symbolism as a reflection of wealth and status, its use as a form of adornment, and the potential for idolatry. By examining these perspectives, we can learn how to approach jewelry in a way that honors God.

Ultimately, our goal as Christians should be to use jewelry in a way that glorifies God and reflects His character.

We should choose jewelry that is appropriate for the occasion, avoids promoting pride or arrogance, and does not draw unnecessary attention to ourselves. We should also remember that inner beauty and character are more important than outward appearance, including jewelry.

In using jewelry to express our creativity and enhance our natural beauty, we can glorify God in all aspects of our lives. By seeking guidance from the Bible and applying its principles to our use of jewelry, we can honor God with this aspect of our lives and reflect His character to those around us.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.