The practice of adorning oneself with jewelry and makeup is a topic that appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. The Scriptures provide insights into the cultural, spiritual, and moral dimensions of this practice, offering guidance for believers.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, jewelry is often associated with wealth, status, and beauty. For instance, in Genesis 24:22, Abraham's servant gives Rebekah a gold nose ring and bracelets as a sign of her selection as Isaac's bride: "And when the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold." Jewelry here signifies a gift of value and honor.

The Israelites also used jewelry in the construction of the Tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 35:22: "So all the men and women whose hearts were willing brought brooches, earrings, rings, and necklaces—all kinds of gold jewelry—and they presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD." This indicates that jewelry, when dedicated to God, could serve a holy purpose.

However, the prophets often criticized the use of jewelry and makeup when it symbolized vanity or idolatry. In Isaiah 3:16-21, the prophet warns the daughters of Zion about their haughty demeanor and excessive adornment: "The LORD also says: 'Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling their bracelets, the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.'"

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts towards inner beauty and modesty. The Apostle Peter advises women in 1 Peter 3:3-4: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." This passage underscores the value of spiritual virtues over external appearances.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul instructs in 1 Timothy 2:9-10: "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." Here, the focus is on modesty and good works as the true adornment for believers.

Cultural and Spiritual Implications

Throughout biblical history, the use of jewelry and makeup has been a reflection of cultural norms and personal expression. However, the Scriptures consistently call for a heart aligned with God's values. The adornment of the body is not condemned outright but is cautioned against when it leads to pride, vanity, or distracts from one's spiritual life.

The Bible encourages believers to prioritize inner beauty and godliness over external appearances. The adornment of the heart with virtues such as humility, love, and faithfulness is esteemed above all.