One of the most interesting passages of Scripture on the topic of modesty is the one that we find ourselves faced with this morning—the topic of braided hair in 1 Peter 3:
“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
1 Peter 3:1-4 ESV
What could God possibly have against braided hair?
Find out more at Is This Modest…
“Pure conduct is more than just keeping yourself physically pure by remaining faithful to your husband, it’s about having a pure attitude toward him and conducting yourself in the most righteous way possible.”
I totally agree. This should be apply both to husband and wife.
Jamie´s last post ..blu cigs
Posted by Jamie | August 4, 2011, 9:58 pmI am certainly in agreeance with this perspective on modesty and pureness of dress & outward appearance, which is reflective of spirit/body/mind. But I do not agree with the excert about the braided hair. In the day in which the scripture was written, women were of a “wordly” (as opposed to “godly”) habit of braiding other things, such as ornamental things like gold/silver, into their hair to draw attention to themselves. It was a way of saying “look at me, as opposed to the next lady”. There is nothing wrong with simply braiding the hair. This can even be applied to today’s culture & society where jewelry is concerned. The purpose of jewelry is to adorn ones self. Back in that day it was a way of decorating ones self but also showing wealth/status. WHAT do you think the Lord really meant when He also said “Come out from among the world and be ye separate”??? If one were to go back and study the culture of this day and time, in which scripture was written, he/she would find this to be true.
Posted by Pamela | September 14, 2011, 10:06 amThe apostles did not teach that simple braiding of the hair was wrong. This entire passage (as well as 1 Tim. 2: 8-10) is about modesty in EVERYTHING: dress, hair, manner, etc.
At the time of the writing of the New Testament, hairstyles, in part were indications of status in society. Elaborate hairdos were often intricately woven, even weaving in strands of gold threads or pearls. A woman who was wealthy had the luxury of time to create complex hairstyles.
The apostles also taught the wearing of MODEST clothing…they didn’t say that woment shouldn’t wear ANY clothing! Rather, the focus of developing true Christian character is to let the inner beauty outshine the outward appearance.
True Christian women are beautiful not because they don’t adorn themselves; they are beautiful because they allow God’s Spirit to live inside and shine through them.
Posted by Dorianne | October 6, 2011, 11:07 amThis verse is refering to “Broidering” of the hair. Our word embroidery stems from this word. It meant to elaborately decorate the hair, as with gems, pearls, gold or other ornate materials. It is not talking about braiding the hair. A simple braid is not “broidered” hair. I have 6 daughters who all have hip length hair and we braid our hair daily in simple forms to keep it from getting caught in things or damaged. I have noticed that when their hair is braided it draws little attention, but when it is down, people always comment on its beauty.
Posted by Natalie Bias | October 9, 2011, 9:45 am