Toy Stories: Barbie — Modest vs. Manipulative - Tuesday
Today’s Verse
1 Timothy 2:9-10
I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. (NIV)
To encapsulate how most people feel about our conversation this week, I’ll quote the classic Grinch song: “I wouldn't touch you with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole!”
Modesty isn’t exactly a favorite topic of discussion in Christian circles today, especially as the cultural tide shifts more and more toward viewing the concept (specifically in relationship to women) as outdated, sexist, and oppressive. Nonetheless, the Bible is clear about the value of living modestly and its role in God’s design, but its application is broader than we might think.
In our modern English translations of the Bible, we see the word “modesty” (along with its various forms and synonyms) connected to three Greek words: kosmios, aidos, and sophrosyne. In fact, all three are used in today’s verse! Let’s check out their literal translations:
Kosmios = orderly and well-arranged
“I also want the women to dress modestly…”
Aidos = reverence
“...with decency…”
Sophrosyne = soundness of mind, self-control
“...and propriety…”
Here, modesty is framed as operating in an orderly, well-arranged way, with reverence and self-control. With this in mind, and considering the context of our verse today, you might also be wondering: why is modesty always tied to women? Are men free to be disorderly, irreverent, and uncontrolled? Sorry, guys, but no—Galatians 5:22-24 will tell you that much. You’ll even find kosmios in a scripture verse about men, too.
However, the Bible does have some specific things to say to women regarding how they dress, speak, and act. And the consistent thread woven throughout these nuggets of biblical wisdom, whether explicitly stated or clearly implied, is modesty: an approach marked by order, reverence, and self-control. For our purposes of exploring biblical womanhood this week, we’ll pay special attention to this guidance as we seek to understand how God has uniquely designed women to reflect His image. Because when we embrace this way of life, we reflect the beauty of a God known for bringing chaos into order, and we point others to Him rather than ourselves.
Here’s a spoiler alert, though: biblical modesty has less to do with a specific dress code and more to do with the posture and motivation of our hearts. So ladies, get ready to be honest with yourselves—and gents, we’d love to have you along for the ride!
APPLICATION
Think of a woman you know whose life is marked by modesty in the ways we’ve talked about today. What stands out to you about her words, actions, and approach to life? Choose one thing to apply in your own life based on her example.
PRAYER
God, in everything I say and do, I want to reflect Your image and draw attention to You, not myself. Help me live in a well-arranged way, marked with reverence and self-control in my words, deeds, and appearance.
