Chapter 119—Proper Dress
The Bible teaches modesty in dress. “In like manner also, that
women adorn themselves in modest apparel.”
1 Timothy 2:9
. This
forbids display in dress, gaudy colors, profuse ornamentation. Any
device designed to attract attention to the wearer or to excite admiration
is excluded from the modest apparel which God’s word enjoins.
Economy in Dress
Our dress is to be inexpensive,—not with “gold, or pearls, or costly
array.” Money is a trust from God. It is not ours to expend for the
gratification of pride or ambition. In the hands of God’s children it is
food for the hungry and clothing for the naked. It is a defense to the
oppressed, a means of health to the sick, or preaching the gospel to the
poor. You could bring happiness to many hearts by using wisely the
money that is now spent for show. Consider the life of Christ. Study
His character, and be partakers with Him in His self-denial.
In the professed Christian world enough is expended for jewels
and needlessly expensive dress to feed all the hungry and to clothe
the naked. Fashion and display absorb the means that might comfort
the poor and the suffering. They rob the world of the gospel of the
Saviour’s love....
Quality and Taste
But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good
quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen
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for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper
protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs “is not afraid
of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with
double garments.”
Proverbs 31:21
, margin.
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