Introduction
In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with messages about how we should look and what we should wear. Fashion trends change rapidly, and it can be difficult to keep up. As Christians, we often turn to the Bible for guidance on how to live our lives, but what does the Bible say about wearing jewelry and makeup?
Jewelry and makeup have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and the Bible makes many references to them. However, these references are not always straightforward or consistent, and it can be challenging to know how to apply them to our modern lives. Some Christians believe that wearing jewelry and makeup is sinful or inappropriate, while others believe that they are harmless and even beautiful expressions of creativity.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the Bible’s teachings on jewelry and makeup in depth, examining both positive and negative references to these items, as well as their cultural and historical context. Our goal is to provide a balanced and nuanced perspective on this topic, helping Christians to make informed choices that honor God. We believe that by studying the Bible’s teachings on jewelry and makeup, we can learn to live more fully in accordance with God’s principles of love, humility, and authenticity.
Jewelry in the Bible
Jewelry has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and the Bible makes many references to it. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about jewelry.
Positive References to Jewelry
- In Proverbs 31:22, the virtuous woman is described as wearing “ornaments of gold.”
- In Exodus 35:22, the Israelites willingly bring their jewelry to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle.
- In Ezekiel 16:11-13, God adorns Israel with jewelry as a symbol of His love and blessing.
Negative References to Jewelry
- In 1 Timothy 2:9, women are instructed to adorn themselves in “modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.”
- In 1 Peter 3:3, women are instructed not to let their adornment be merely outward, such as wearing “gold, or putting on apparel.”
- In Isaiah 3:16-23, God rebukes the women of Jerusalem for their excessive jewelry and says He will take it away.
Interpretation and Meaning of the Verses
The positive references to jewelry in the Bible show that it is not inherently sinful or evil to wear jewelry. However, the negative references indicate that there are certain attitudes and motives associated with wearing jewelry that is not pleasing to God.
- The Bible teaches that our focus should be on inner beauty rather than outward appearance (1 Peter 3:4). If we wear jewelry to draw attention to ourselves or to impress others, then we are not living in accordance with God’s principles.
- Additionally, if we are placing too much value on material possessions, then we are not fully trusting in God’s provision and care for us.
Makeup in the Bible
Makeup, like jewelry, has a long history in human culture. The Bible also makes references to makeup, both positive and negative.
Positive References to Makeup
- In Esther 2:12, the women in the king’s palace underwent a year of beauty treatments, including “oil of myrrh and perfumes.”
- In Song of Solomon 1:13, the bridegroom praises the bride’s “cheeks with rows of jewels, your neck with chains of gold.”
- In Ezekiel 23:40, the prophet describes the women of Babylon as using makeup to enhance their beauty.
Negative References to Makeup
- In 2 Kings 9:30, Jezebel, a wicked queen, is described as “painting her eyes and adorning her head.”
- In Jeremiah 4:30, God rebukes the women of Israel for their excessive makeup, saying “you enlarge your eyes with paint; in vain you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold.”
Interpretation and Meaning of the Verses
The positive references to makeup in the Bible show that it is not inherently sinful or evil to wear makeup. However, like with jewelry, the negative references indicate that there are certain attitudes and motives associated with wearing makeup that are not pleasing to God.
- If we wear makeup to manipulate or deceive others, then we are not living in accordance with God’s principles of honesty and integrity.
- Additionally, if we place too much value on outward appearance and neglect our inner beauty and character, then we are not living in accordance with God’s principles of humility and spiritual growth.
Cultural and Historical Context
To fully understand the Bible’s teachings on jewelry and makeup, it’s important to consider the cultural and historical context in which they were written. In Bible times, jewelry and makeup were often associated with pagan rituals and practices and were used to worship false gods. Therefore, some of the negative references to jewelry and makeup in the Bible may be warning against these practices rather than condemning the items themselves.
Additionally, the culture of Bible times was very different from our modern culture. The way people dressed and adorned themselves was often a reflection of their social status and wealth. In contrast, our modern culture places a much greater emphasis on personal expression and individual style. Therefore, we must be careful not to apply the Bible’s teachings on jewelry and makeup in a legalistic or rigid way but rather to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in each situation.
Practical Application
So, what does all of this mean for us as Christians? How can we apply the Bible’s teachings on jewelry and makeup to our lives?
First and foremost, we should seek to honor God in all that we do, including how we dress and adorn ourselves. We should strive to cultivate inner beauty and character rather than relying solely on outward appearance.
Additionally, we should be mindful of our motives for wearing jewelry and makeup. Are we trying to impress others or manipulate them in some way? Or are we simply enjoying the beauty and creativity of these items?
Finally, we should be sensitive to the cultural and social norms of our time and place. While it may not be appropriate to wear excessive jewelry or makeup in certain settings, there may be other situations where it is perfectly acceptable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible’s teachings on jewelry and makeup are complex and nuanced. While there are both positive and negative references to these items in the Bible, what is most important is our attitude and motives in wearing them. As Christians, we should seek to honor God in all that we do, including how we dress and adorn ourselves. We should also be mindful of the cultural and historical context in which these teachings were given and be open to God’s guidance and wisdom as we make decisions about what to wear.
It’s important to remember that wearing jewelry and makeup is not inherently sinful or evil. Rather, it is our attitude and motives that matter. If we wear these items to impress others or manipulate them in some way, then we are not living in accordance with God’s principles. However, if we wear them with a spirit of creativity, beauty, and self-expression, then they can be a reflection of God’s goodness and creativity in our lives.
Finally, as Christians, we are called to love and respect one another, regardless of our differences in opinion about wearing jewelry and makeup. Whether we choose to wear them or not, we should never judge or condemn others who make different choices. Instead, let us seek to live in harmony and unity, putting the love of Christ above all else.
