Modestly
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Definition and Context
Modesty, in a biblical context, refers to the quality of being humble and moderate in one's behavior, appearance, and speech. It is often associated with humility and the avoidance of pride or vanity. Modesty is not only about clothing but encompasses a broader attitude of the heart and mind, reflecting a life that honors God and respects others.

Biblical References
The concept of modesty is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of inner character over outward appearance. One of the key verses is found 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." This passage highlights the importance of modesty in dress, suggesting that one's appearance should reflect a heart devoted to God rather than seeking attention or status.

Another relevant passage is 1 Peter 3:3-4 , which states: "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." Here, the emphasis is on the inner beauty that comes from a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great value to God.

Principles of Modesty
1. Humility and Self-Control: Modesty involves a humble attitude and self-control, recognizing that one's worth is not determined by external appearances but by one's relationship with God. It is about prioritizing spiritual virtues over material or physical attributes.

2. Respect for Others: Modesty also involves respecting others by not drawing undue attention to oneself. It is about being considerate of how one's actions and appearance may affect others, promoting an environment of respect and dignity.

3. Focus on Inner Beauty: The Bible encourages believers to cultivate inner beauty, characterized by virtues such as kindness, gentleness, and a quiet spirit. This inner beauty is seen as more valuable than any external adornment.

4. Cultural Sensitivity: While the principles of modesty are timeless, the application can vary across different cultures and contexts. Believers are encouraged to be sensitive to cultural norms and practices, ensuring that their expression of modesty aligns with biblical principles while respecting cultural differences.

Application in Daily Life
Modesty in daily life involves making choices that reflect a heart devoted to God. This includes dressing in a way that is appropriate and respectful, speaking with kindness and humility, and conducting oneself with integrity and self-control. It is about living a life that points others to Christ, rather than seeking personal attention or glory.

In summary, modesty is a reflection of a heart that seeks to honor God and love others. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation, where the focus is on cultivating a character that is pleasing to God and beneficial to the community.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(adv.) In a modest manner.
Greek
127. aidos -- a sense of shame
... modesty. Word Origin from aideomai (to be ashamed) Definition a sense of shame
NASB Word Usage modestly (1). reverence, shamefacedness. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/127.htm - 6k

5525. choros -- a dance, chorus
... 5525 -- dancing, which in the Bible is viewed as (when done modestly, etc.). Indeed,
"dancing is even in the Bible" (G. Archer). Word Origin a prim. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5525.htm - 6k

Library

Brought up Thus Modestly and Soberly, and Made Subject Rather by ...
... Book IX Chapter IX Brought up thus modestly and soberly, and made subject
rather by Thee to her parents? Brought up thus modestly ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter ix brought up thus.htm

The Transfiguration
... Hear ye him.'. How soberly, simply, modestly, they tell this strange story. How
differently they might have told it. ... Think upon that word modestly. ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon iii the transfiguration.htm

On Dress.
... the pit of destruction. God demands of his people that they dress modestly
as becomes people who profess holiness. The putting on ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/on dress.htm

The Sacrament of the Altar
... The children and servants should come to the table modestly and with folded hands
and say: All eyes look to you, O Lord, and You give everyone food at the ...
/.../luther/the small catechism of martin luther/vi the sacrament of the.htm

Introduction to the Treatise De Synodis.
... He modestly accedes to this request beseeching his readers not to criticise his
letter until they have read the whole letter and mastered the complete argument ...
/.../introduction to the treatise de.htm

1 Cor. xv. 1, 2
... Well, the very reason why he here also speaks modestly is his being about
to do this. Not straightway, however, but with his own ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxviii 1 cor xv.htm

We are Worshippers of one God, of Whose Existence and Character ...
... patience; since, though our numbers are so great"constituting all but the majority
in every city"we conduct ourselves so quietly and modestly; I might ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/to scapula/chapter ii we are worshippers.htm

Preface.
... time, are also known to have been firm believers, and they laymen; I mean Mr. Boyle,
Mr. Locke, Sir Isaac Newton, and Mr. Addison; who, modestly speaking, were ...
/.../the evidences of the christian religion with additional discourses/preface.htm

Preface
... If he is, sometimes, constrained to differ from the judgment of wise and good men,
who have deserved well of the Church of God, he would do it modestly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/preface.htm

Wesley -- God's Love to Fallen Man
... Some indeed have done this a little more modestly, in an oblique and indirect manner:
but others have thrown aside the mask, and asked, "Did not God foresee ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/wesley gods love to.htm

Thesaurus
Modestly (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a modest manner. Multi-Version Concordance
Modestly (2 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 2:9 in like manner ...
/m/modestly.htm - 7k

Modest (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Evincing modestly in the actor, author, or speaker; not showing presumption;
not excessive or extreme; moderate; as, a modest request; modest joy. ...
/m/modest.htm - 7k

Lowly (29 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Having a low esteem of one's own worth; humble; meek; free from
pride. 5. (adv.) In a low manner; humbly; meekly; modestly. ...
/l/lowly.htm - 14k

Modesty (4 Occurrences)

/m/modesty.htm - 8k

Cautiously (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Peter 3:16 Yet argue modestly and cautiously, keeping your consciences free from
guilt, so that, when you are spoken against, those who slander your good ...
/c/cautiously.htm - 6k

Consciences (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 3:16 Yet argue modestly and cautiously, keeping your consciences free from
guilt, so that, when you are spoken against, those who slander your good ...
/c/consciences.htm - 10k

Argue (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 3:16 Yet argue modestly and cautiously, keeping your consciences free from
guilt, so that, when you are spoken against, those who slander your good ...
/a/argue.htm - 12k

Slandered (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 3:16 Yet argue modestly and cautiously, keeping your consciences free from
guilt, so that, when you are spoken against, those who slander your good ...
/s/slandered.htm - 8k

Slander (34 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 3:16 Yet argue modestly and cautiously, keeping your consciences free from
guilt, so that, when you are spoken against, those who slander your good ...
/s/slander.htm - 21k

Genealogy (29 Occurrences)
... for, with many tangles hard to unravel, and it is precisely at this point that analytic
and constructive criticism needs to proceed most modestly and restrain ...
/g/genealogy.htm - 70k

Resources
What does it mean to dress modestly? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian woman wear a bikini? | GotQuestions.org

Should Christian women wear makeup or jewelry? | GotQuestions.org

Modestly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Modestly (2 Occurrences)

1 Timothy 2:9
in like manner also the women, in becoming apparel, with modesty and sobriety to adorn themselves, not in braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or garments of great price,
(See NAS RSV NIV)

1 Peter 3:16
Yet argue modestly and cautiously, keeping your consciences free from guilt, so that, when you are spoken against, those who slander your good Christian lives may be put to shame.
(WEY)

Subtopics

Modestly

Related Terms

Decency (1 Occurrence)

Modestly (2 Occurrences)

Blush (16 Occurrences)

Shame (412 Occurrences)

Shameless (2 Occurrences)

Modin

Virgin (62 Occurrences)

Indecency (2 Occurrences)

Indecent (3 Occurrences)

Forwardness (2 Occurrences)

False.

Retiring (1 Occurrence)

Reverence (42 Occurrences)

Expensive (6 Occurrences)

Discreetly (3 Occurrences)

Deportment (12 Occurrences)

Discretion (20 Occurrences)

Downcast (11 Occurrences)

Decent (2 Occurrences)

Modest (2 Occurrences)

Plaited (12 Occurrences)

Pearls (8 Occurrences)

Poor (276 Occurrences)

Propriety (3 Occurrences)

Bold-faced (1 Occurrence)

Braided (10 Occurrences)

Becomingly (3 Occurrences)

Broidered (9 Occurrences)

Bold (21 Occurrences)

Attire (11 Occurrences)

Alarmed (28 Occurrences)

Adorn (13 Occurrences)

Self-control (14 Occurrences)

Secret (341 Occurrences)

Seemly (10 Occurrences)

Sensibly (2 Occurrences)

Suggest (1 Occurrence)

Honesty (4 Occurrences)

Becoming (75 Occurrences)

Hind (4 Occurrences)

Garments (232 Occurrences)

Air (74 Occurrences)

Hebrews (24 Occurrences)

Philip (37 Occurrences)

Likewise (149 Occurrences)

Clothing (288 Occurrences)

Clothes (208 Occurrences)

Woman (4043 Occurrences)

Gold (429 Occurrences)

Perfect (205 Occurrences)

Hair (135 Occurrences)

English

Angel (209 Occurrences)

Dress (38 Occurrences)

Proper (62 Occurrences)

Versions

Epistle (13 Occurrences)

Modest Apparel
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