Bible Questions and Answers

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Thanks for your question.

Paul says:

1 Timothy 2:9, 10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

 

Peter says:

1 Peter 3:1-5 Likewise, ye 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;  While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.  Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:


A normal understanding of the above would conclude that a woman in Christ should avoid ostentation in clothing and jewellery. To interpret it as a complete ban on makeup and jewellery is a just legalism.  It replaces the principle with a law devised by men.  This is a trait which Christ criticised the Jews for.

Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Rebekah, a woman of faith who became the wife of Isaac, had no problem wearing earring and bracelets given by Abraham’s servant.

Genesis 24:30 And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.

The difficulty for women is when their outward appearance becomes a matter of pride and their bodies become a showcase for their wealth. Wealth is to be used for the benefit of others not for outward adornment.  Moderation in all things is what is required of us, not a slavish obedience to man-made rules.
I hope this helps.

God bless,

Glenn