Hair should be groomed tastefully and attractively, as long hair is a glory to a woman, serving as her covering. It must be maintained to avoid unattractiveness, with modesty guiding choices and avoiding vanity. Tasteful cutting, curling, or styling of a woman's hair is acceptable if it remains a feminine covering. For men, shaving or cutting hair for good grooming is permitted, unlike specific ritual trimmings associated with pagan practices, as noted in Leviticus 19:27 and 21:5. Jewelry is acceptable when worn moderately and wholesomely, reflecting a gentle, quiet spirit. The wearer's attitude and motive are essential, ensuring adornment aligns with inner beauty precious to God.

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Does the Bible Prohibit Women From Cutting Their Hair (I Corinthians 11:6)?

Bible Questions & Answers

Hair should be groomed and worn in a tasteful and attractive manner, as it is a glory to a woman when it is long, given to her for a covering. If left unattended, it would soon become quite unattractive. Proper modesty must be kept in mind, avoiding extremes of vanity which are not in accordance with God's will. The Bible does not prohibit tasteful cutting, curling, styling, or setting of a woman's hair. Any length is appropriate if the hair is long enough to be a covering and feminine, and any style is proper as long as it remains modest and maintains a feminine appearance.

Is It a Sin to Wear Jewelry?

Bible Questions & Answers

It is not a sin to wear jewelry when done in moderation and in a wholesome manner. However, if jewelry is used improperly or in excess, in an immoral or vain manner, it is frowned upon by God. The attitude and motive of the wearer are the crucial factors in adorning oneself with jewelry. The proper attitude should reflect the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

Is It Wrong to Shave or Cut One's Hair (Leviticus 19:27; 21:5)?

Bible Questions & Answers

You shall not shave around the sides of your head, nor shall you disfigure the edges of your beard, as stated in Leviticus 19:27. Likewise, Leviticus 21:5 instructs that they shall not make any bald place on their heads, nor shall they shave the edges of their beards, nor make any cuttings in their flesh. This prohibition targets a specific kind of shaving or hair cutting that was a ritual custom among the heathen, who trimmed their beards and hair into special shapes to honor pagan deities. Shaving one's beard and cutting one's hair for normal good grooming, however, is entirely different and not condemned in the Scriptures. The apostle Paul also addresses proper grooming of hair in I Corinthians 11:2-15, emphasizing its importance.

Modesty (Part One): Moderation and Propriety

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The way we dress is a reflection of our cultural identity and personal beliefs, revealing the standards and priorities we hold. Dress standards are inescapable, as they communicate our values, whether by conscious design or by default through the influence of others. Modesty, a key principle, is not merely about clothing but is primarily an issue of the heart, expressing humility and purity before God. If the heart is right with Him, it will govern itself in purity and express itself modestly in outward appearance. Modesty, as defined in modern dictionaries, involves a moderate estimation of oneself, reserve in behavior and dress, and freedom from showiness. Noah Webster links modesty with chastity, indicating moral purity in thought and conduct, which avoids both sensuality and flamboyance. The apostle Peter, in I Peter 3:3, emphasizes that adornment should not be merely outward—such as elaborate hair arrangements or fine apparel—but should reflect the heart's modesty and moderation. Similarly, in I Timothy 2:9, Paul instructs women to adorn themselves in modest apparel with propriety and moderation, avoiding extravagance that could exploit physical charms or cause emotional disturbance. Historically, excessive adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and ornate jewelry, was associated with immodesty and sensuality, reflecting the styles of courtesans in Paul's time. Today, similar excesses are evident, even among young children, highlighting a cultural decline in modesty. Christian women—and all Christians—must self-consciously control their hearts and passions, ensuring their clothing reflects purity, humility, and moderation rather than pride or sensuality. God Himself set the standard for clothing with Adam and Eve, using the Hebrew word labash in Genesis 3:21, which implies adorning or decorating rather than concealing shame. This act of clothing them with tunics of skin, or kuttonet, covered their bodies from neck to knees, indicating a design for modesty and propriety, not because the body is inherently shameful, but for decorum and consideration of others. Jesus Christ, as a man, also exemplified modesty, wearing well-groomed, quality garments typical of His time, covering His body appropriately without obsession over appearance. In the Kingdom of God, modesty remains essential. The saints, as seen in Revelation, are clothed in white robes symbolizing purity, innocence, and triumph, reflecting the righteousness provided by the blood of the Lamb. From Adam and Eve to Jesus Christ and the glorified saints, the consistent testimony is that God's people should be covered modestly, especially in worship, adhering to principles of moderation and propriety in dress.

What does CGG believe regarding cosmetics? dress lengths? hair lengths? men wearing earrings? tattoos?

Frequently Asked Questions

As we grow in the grace and knowledge of God—becoming more humble, modest and holy—our involvement with such questionable practices should disappear.