Modesty is a very vital topic taught in the scriptures. Many times people attribute the subject of modesty to; the dressing of the females in the body of Christ. Modesty is not only for women but it also applies to men, it also involves our behaviour, words, lifestyle and our Christian living. In this article, we’ll explore bible verses about modesty and the meaning of modesty.

What is modesty?

Modesty is very significant in the bible, it is primarily humility, decency, and self-respect in behaviour, dress, and demeanour. The word modesty comes from the Latin word “modestus” which means “keeping within measure”

What the bible says about modesty

Modesty in the bible means many things and that includes humility, decency and respect for other people. It is an attitude that extends to all areas of our life and behaviours. Here are some of the things that modesty means in the Bible:

• Modesty is more than attire; it’s a reflection of the heart and behaviour. It encompasses humility, selflessness, and reverence before God. 1 Tim 2:9
• Modesty in Dressing: This bible emphasizes modesty in attire, encouraging decency in dress, and highlighting the importance of inner beauty over outward appearance. Phil 2:34
• Modesty is humility: Modesty is embedded with humility, believers are urged to prioritize the interests of others and avoid selfishness or arrogance. 1 pet 3:34
• Modesty is guarding against Vanity: The bible encourages believers not to place their worth on adornment or wealth but rather allow themselves to show the true nature of God. Rom 14:13
• Modesty is respecting other people: Modesty extends to respecting others’ convictions; it involves refraining from actions that might lead others astray or cause discomfort.
• Modesty starts from the heart: God emphasizes the significance of the heart’s condition over outward appearance, suggesting that modesty starts from within. 1 sam 16:7
• Modesty shows in our words: Modesty extends beyond appearance; it includes speaking godly, edifying words and conducting oneself with respect and dignity. col 4:6
• Modesty is not foolishness or looking down: Modesty isn’t about suppressing individuality but about balancing personal expression with humility and respect for oneself and others.

Bible Verses about Modesty  

 The Bible contains various verses that address the topic of modesty and how one should present themselves. Here are 30 Bible verses related to the modesty:

1. 1 Timothy 2:9 (NIV) 

“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.”

2. 1 Peter 3:3 (NIV) 

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.”

3. Proverbs 11:22 (NIV) 

“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”

4. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

5. Matthew 5:28 (NIV) 

“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

6. Romans 14:21 (NIV) 

“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”

7. 1 Thessalonians 4:34 (NIV)

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”

8. Ephesians 5:3 (NIV) 

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”

9. 1 Corinthians 6:15,20 (NIV)

 “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! … Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”

10. Galatians 5:19,21 (NIV) 

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery… I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

11. Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) 

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

12. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) 

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

13. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol. Against such things there is no law.”

14. Colossians 3:12 (NIV) 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

15. 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) 

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

16. 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV) 

“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

17. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

18. 1 Timothy 4:15 (NIV) 

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons… They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.”

19. Psalm 139:14 (NIV) 

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

20. Romans 12:12 (NIV) 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

21. 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV)

 “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.”

22. James 1:26 (NIV) 

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

23. James 2:8-9 (NIV) 

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”

24. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) 

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

25. Colossians 3:17 (NIV) 

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

26. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

27. Proverbs 6:16,19 (NIV) 

“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”

28. Colossians 3:8 (NIV) 

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

29. Philippians 2:34 (NIV) 

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

30. Romans 14:13 (NIV) 

“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

Final Thoughts

The world is gradually becoming materialistic, and many people are daily exchanging their salvation for the flashy things in this world. Our duty as believers is to live a life of modesty, a life that draws souls to Christ. A life that reflects the modesty of Christ which made him unrecognisable among his disciples; it was until Judas kissed him that he was recognised.

These verses emphasize the importance of modesty, purity, and living in a way that honours God. They encourage believers to focus on their inner qualities, serving others, and bringing glory to God through their actions and choices.