Teaching Your Daughter Modesty

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:9-10

God gives us clear instructions for the biblical standard of dress. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 says, "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."

In modern language, this verse could also read, "I want women to dress in an orderly, well-arranged, decent manner that expresses the self-controlled inner character within her which is lived out in her outward appearance."

What Does God Say?

Write out 1 Timothy 2:9-10 in your own words.

The manner of dress is an indication of what is in the heart. The Bible shows that the inner character of a woman is seen in the way she dresses. "Propriety" is modesty that shows a woman has self-control in reining in her passions and desires.

The Bible tells us that a woman is not to be merely dressed with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, for this is just the outward appearance. The heart of modesty is to be complemented by the good deeds that a woman of God performs. Her work is evidence of a godly spirit.

My Thoughts

Which of the following do you think are types of clothes that a modest woman would choose?

• clothing that reflects an inner beauty
• clothing that draws attention to private parts of the body
• clothing that distracts from a woman's testimony
• clothing that reveals the passions of a woman's heart
• clothing that she would wear if Jesus were coming to visit

What should a parent do to help their teenage daughters follow biblical standards for a Christian? (See 1 Samuel 26:23; Jeremiah 32:19.)

Spend time with your daughter, helping her to evaluate each piece of her clothing by God's standards; teach her to have a heart of submission to the ways of God; help her see the value of living a counter-cultural life that is pleasing to Christ; and lastly, teach her the reward of dressing modestly.

My Part

Are you tempted to give in and keep peace instead of setting the standard? Don't waver because of the culture and the pressure to conform. Keep a firm commitment to follow God's Word and His leading. Be a good example before your daughter.

Which of the following characteristics do you think indicate an immodest heart?

• ignorance of God's Word
• indifference to biblical standards
• desire to draw attention to one's self
• rebellion to authority
• resistance to guidance for proper dressing
• unconcerned about the effect on Christian guys
• rationalizing that style is more important than character

Ask God today to give you a heart for walking in obedience with all your heart in every aspect of your life. Remember Proverbs 31:30: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

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