Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | 1 Timothy 2:9 Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 2:9 Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and discreetly in proper clothing, not with [elaborately] braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothes, |
Bible Question: could I please have some help with this passage. Some of the churches in my town are promoting the use of make up as a way of looking beautiful for God. This is causing quite a few arguments among the women, but even more so amongst the men! Some are saying that it is cultural and some are saying that it is worldly. The people who are promoting the make up are handing out free make up packs in church. Would love to know what you all think God's best. John D |
Bible Answer: Dear John, It is good to see you back on the forum after your short hiatus. The passage you cited reads thusly: "I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in 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." (1 Timothy 2:8-10 ESV) We see a similar sentiment expressed by Paul in another epistle. I'd urge its comparison as well (Titus 2:3-15). Peter says something quite similar. "Do not let your adorning be external -- the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing -- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening." (1 Peter 3:3-6 ESV) Of course, if the discussion you mention isn't taking place in the context of 1 Timothy 2:8, then it will be of little profit to either side! I'd also venture to say that the argument about "a way of looking beautiful for God" is a very weak one -- it sounds like pure rationalization. The implication is that their motive is one of singular piety. I wonder how these women tend to their appearance when they are alone, observed only by the "Father who sees in secret!" :-) Every culture in every age has its norms in regard to what is considered modest apparel. While such norms differ dramatically, the accepted norm is usually well understood. Looking like a harlot should be eschewed by all Godly women. Godly men would have their minds so transformed that they should find nothing attractive in the appearance of a harlot. Of course, young men and women want to look their best as they seek out a potential mate. Married men and women want to look their best for their spouses. But everyone should understand "Charm can be deceptive and shallow and beauty fades, but a woman who fears the LORD is priceless." (loosely based on Proverbs 31:30). At the root of the problem you've described involve people living out fundamental errors in their thinking. One side wants to see how close they can look like the world while still satisfying God sufficiently to insure His blessing. The other side thinks that Godliness is achievable by working from the outside in. Nevertheless, I can't quite fathom handing out make-up packs there! When were Bibles handed out? Are they also making freely available Bishop J. C. Ryle's very practical book "Holiness?" Or John Owen's "Mortification of Sin?" Are the older Godly women investing time mentoring the younger women? Are the men living lives that demonstrate their love of the Savior over anything else the world has to offer? Frankly, I'd be loathe to jump in on either side. One can hope and pray that their love of God will be better demonstrated in their love of the word, their love of one another, and their desire for obedient and righteous living. In Him, Doc |