What does the Bible say about jewelry?
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The Bible teaches that jewelry is not inherently sinful, but God calls his people to value modesty, humility, and inward godliness above outward display. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:3-4, Christian women are especially urged not to make costly adornment their focus, but to pursue good works and the gentle, quiet character precious to God. Isaiah 3:16-24 warns against proud, self-exalting luxury, while Isaiah 61:10 and Luke 15:22 use beautiful clothing and ornaments as fitting pictures of joy, honor, and salvation. Believers should therefore use such things with gratitude and restraint, refusing vanity and seeking renewed minds and Christlike hearts.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Timothy 2:9
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing;
- Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
- 1 Timothy 2:9-10
[9] In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing; [10] but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.
- 1 Peter 3:3
Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing;
- 1 Peter 3:3-4
[3] Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; [4] but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious.
- Isaiah 3:16-24
[16] Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, And walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, Walking to trip as they go, Jingling ornaments on their feet; [17] Therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion, And Yahweh will make their scalps bald." [18] In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, [19] the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, [20] the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, [21] the signet rings, the nose rings, [22] the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, [23] the hand-mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls. [24] It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead of well set hair, baldness; Instead of a robe, a girding of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty.
- Luke 15:22
"But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
- 1 Peter 3:4
but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious.
- 1 Peter 3:1-6
[1] In like manner, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don't obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word; [2] seeing your pure behavior in fear. [3] Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; [4] but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious. [5] For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God, also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands: [6] as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.
- Romans 12:2
Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
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