What does the Bible say about proper dress?
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The Bible teaches that clothing should reflect reverence for God, modesty, purity, and love for neighbor rather than vanity, sensuality, or rebellion. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul calls believers to adorn themselves with respectable apparel and especially with godly character and good works. First Peter 3:3-4 likewise prizes the hidden person of the heart above outward display. Deuteronomy 22:5 affirms honoring God’s creational distinctions between men and women, while Proverbs 7:10 warns against dress used to entice toward sin. Romans 12:1-2 calls Christians to offer their whole bodies to God and resist the world’s patterns. Because Christ renews the heart, believers seek attire that is fitting, humble, and mindful of others.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Deuteronomy 22:5
A woman shall not wear men's clothing, neither shall a man put on women's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.
- 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;
- Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
- 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 Timothy 2:8-10
[8] I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. [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.
- Proverbs 7:10
Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, And with crafty intent.
- 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.
- Galatians 5:19
Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,
- 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.
- Matthew 5:28
but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
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