Print Page Modest Dress

When humans were first created there was no need for clothing (Genesis 2:5) but ever since the fall of man humans have worn clothing (Genesis 3:6-7,21). Modesty is lacking in many Baptist Churches. Often a pastor will not touch the subject in fear of backlash. A pastor is to preach the whole council of God even if his church might not like the message (Acts 20:27). Immodest dress is a very big problem. It can cause a person to lust which is the same as committing adultery (Matthew 5:28). In 1 Timothy 2:9 women are told to dress modestly. This applies both to over doing it by bringing attention to yourself and also showing more of your body than you should.  A woman shouldn't dress like a harlot (Proverbs 7:10) as the woman did in Proverbs 7. Women also should not wear men's clothing (Deuteronomy 22:5) but I will go more into that in a future article.

There are several common excuses for dressing immodest. A common one is that you can't find modest clothing any longer. That is not true. There are several places online that specialize in modest clothing. Even if you buy locally you make sure to combine different accessories to make what you wear modest. Better yet, you can learn to make your own clothing which also save you a buck. Another excuse is that it is the person who is lusting that is the problem. Now it is true that we all need to make sure we avoid having wandering eyes and lustful thoughts, but Romans 14:21 commands us to not cause other Christians to stumble. Proverbs 11:22 also tells women to use discretion.

For women here is a good list of things to avoid:

1. Wearing clothing with a low neck line. (Proverbs 5:19)
2. Wearing transparent clothing.
3. Showing any part of your thigh. (Isaiah 47:2-3)
4. Wearing tight clothing.
5. Showing off any part of your underwear.
6. Showing off your waist.
7. Wearing a dress with an open back.