26 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud
Early Christian writings taught that modesty should shape how believers dress, act, and carry themselves. Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Cyprian, Novatian, and others tie modesty to self-control, chastity, and a life that does not draw attention through luxury or sexual display. The Bible passages most often used are 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:3-4, which point women away from costly show and toward good works and a quiet spirit. The evidence is broad and early, though some writers speak more about women, while others apply modesty to all Christians or to bodily conduct in general.
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;
Direct Bible passage on modest apparel and avoiding costly clothing
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Timothy 2:9
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.
Direct Bible passage on inward beauty of heart and spirit
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 3:4
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Direct Bible passage against outward adornment of braids and gold
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 3:3
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Completes the 1 Timothy 2 teaching with good works
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Timothy 2:10
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
Supports modesty as honorable treatment of what is less honorable
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 12:23
Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.
Positive ornament imagery, but not the page's topic
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Song of Solomon 1:10
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Pattern of good works, not modesty specifically
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Titus 2:7
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
General good works text only
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Timothy 5:25
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Used in Christian teaching on good works and faithful conduct
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Timothy 5:10
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:
Adds the model of holy women and subjection
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 3:5
Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Adorning doctrine with good works parallels inner virtue
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Titus 2:10
We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.
Ornaments imagery in Song of Songs
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Song of Solomon 1:11
While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
Short phrase about chaste conversation with fear
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 3:2
And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.
Jewelry offering context, not a modesty command
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Exodus 35:22
We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD.
Ornaments listed as spoil/prize, only background
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Numbers 31:50
I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.
Adornment imagery in another context
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ezekiel 16:11
And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head.
Adornment imagery in another context
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ezekiel 16:12
The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,
Jewelry list, not direct teaching
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 3:19
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Connects female modesty with discretion and chastity
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Titus 2:5
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Garland/neck ornament imagery
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 1:9
If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
Nakedness imagery only
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 5:3
The rings, and nose jewels,
Jewelry list, not direct teaching
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 3:21
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
General holiness language, but not directly about modesty
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Thessalonians 4:4
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
General purity command often linked to modest conduct
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 5:3
Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Speech integrity, not modesty teaching
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Titus 2:8
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
General shame language about secret sins
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 5:12
Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.
“But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
1 Timothy 2:10 KJV · 9 words
Listen“Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.”
Song of Solomon 1:10 KJV · 14 words
Listen“We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.”
Song of Solomon 1:11 KJV · 11 words
Listen“While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.”
1 Peter 3:2 KJV · 9 words
Listen“The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,”
Isaiah 3:19 KJV · 8 words
Listen“If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.”
2 Corinthians 5:3 KJV · 12 words
Listen“The rings, and nose jewels,”
Isaiah 3:21 KJV · 5 words
ListenExact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.
“Women must not smear their faces with the deceptive tricks of clever cunning. Instead, let us show them the adornment of self-control. First of all, the best beauty is spiritual beauty, as we have often said. For when the soul is adorned by the Holy Spirit, and filled with the bright charms that come from Him — righte…”
“Chapter 2. Perfect Modesty Will Abstain from Whatever Tends to Sin, as Well as from Sin Itself.”
“Wherefore also women ought to dress neatly, and bind themselves around with the band of chaste modesty, lest through giddiness they slip away from the truth.”
“For when a woman is destitute of modesty, chastity, and fidelity, she must of necessity be without virtue.”
“O modesty, worthy of praise! You blush to name bread and wine, and are not afraid to speak of Venus instead of carnal intercourse!”
“Then the prefect Rusticus said to Chariton, “Tell me more, Chariton, are you also a Christian?” Chariton replied, “I am a Christian by the command of God.” Rusticus the prefect asked the woman Charito, “What do you say, Charito?” Charito answered, “I am a Christian by the grace of God.” Rusticus asked Euelpistus, “And…”
Every verse, read aloud
