Can a Christian Wear Jewelry?

Modesty & Pride:

One reason wearing jewelry can be an issue is if one is wearing it for pride. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel(or clothing), with shamefacedness(or modestly) and sobriety(or discreetly); not with broided(or braided) hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array" (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV).

Paul tells us we should not wear things for our own pride and to stay modest. Paul says a woman should not have braided hair or wear expensive jewelry. Braids were likely discouraged for it was seen as luxurious and was very costly and took a lot of time. Paul is telling us we should not dress in a way that makes us stand out; rather, our focus is to be on God in church, not ourselves or others. We are not trying to dress to impress but to worship the Lord.

Peter also writes: "Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God," (1 Peter 3:3-4 NASB1995). Here, Peter tells us a person's beauty must not merely be external, their jewelry or outfits, but what is on the inside. We must place our focus on the heart rather than an object of possession.

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Image by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash