Marriage, Motherhood, and Modesty #1255

20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. (Genesis 3:20–21, NKJV)

With acute brevity, this passage affirms the primacy of marriage, the place of motherhood, and the value of modesty. Unlike today’s cultural norm, Adam and Eve did not live together before marriage (to see whether they were compatible). According to God’s arrangement, marriage comes first, enjoined by a mutual commitment to live together for life (Genesis 2:22-25). According to God’s arrangement, marriage precedes parentage, not the other way around. Adam named his wife, “Eve,” because she is the “life-giver.” How very contrary to the view that a woman has the right to take the life that is formed within her. Abortion is hostile to woman’s dignity, and to life itself, as well as woman’s role as the life-giver. According to God’s arrangement, mere “coverings” to hide one’s nakedness is not sufficient clothing for the human body (Genesis 3:7). So, He clothed Adam and Eve with tunics of skin. This clothing provided warmth and protection to their bodies, as well as the necessary apparel to cover the shame of their nakedness (a consequence of their sin, Genesis 2:25; 3:7, 10). The exposure of the body is for one’s spouse, not for the eyes of the world (1 Corinthians 7:2-4). The modest person dresses accordingly (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

Modern Fig Leaves #1117

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. (Genesis 3:7, NKJV)

Before Adam and Eve sinned against God, Scripture says “they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:25). However, with sin’s entrance into the world, they perceived their nakedness, prompting them to make loin coverings in an effort to hide their shame. The fig leaves failed to cover their nakedness, and did not remove the shame of their sin. Therefore, God “made tunics of skin, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). Similarly, modern swimwear (such as women’s bikinis and men’s swim shorts) does not adequately clothe the body and remove the shame of nakedness. (Notably, in the Scriptures, to “uncover the thigh” means to uncover one’s nakedness, Isaiah 47:3.) Today, people have hardened their hearts toward the shame of their nakedness. They eagerly expose their nakedness by wearing modern-day “fig leaves.” Such lack of modesty does not diminish the sin of wearing such shameful attire (Jeremiah 8:12; 1 Timothy 2:9-10). God’s word is clear. It is shameful to expose one’s nakedness to public view. Reject such immodesty, and keep a sense of shame firmly rooted in your pure and holy heart.

Women Professing Godliness #883

8  I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9  in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10  but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:8–10, NKJV)

Just as men are to be spiritual leaders whose holy lives equip them to “pray everywhere,” women profess godliness through their good works. The godly woman does not announce herself to others through immodest clothing that draws attention to herself and her body. Instead, propriety (a sense of shame, “shamefastness,” ASV) and moderation (“self-control,” see 2 Tim. 2:15), are hallmarks of her attire. She is careful to wear attire that does not present herself to others as one devoid of moral decency and discretion. To be godly servants of the Lord, whether man or woman, we must first adorn our hearts with holiness and godliness. Then, our clothing and our conduct will bear righteous fruit before God and before the world.

Modest Apparel #551

8  I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9  in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10  but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:8–10, NKJV)

Faithful men of moral purity and holiness are to lead public prayer. Likewise, women are to clothe themselves modestly. The godly woman’s attire is dictated by her sense of shame that is rooted fast in her character. With decency she exercises sound judgment and self-control. She adorns herself consistently with her profession of faith. She retains her ability to blush, ashamed to uncover her nakedness. Her clothing is consistent with her profession of good works. She wears a full complement of clothing that avoids extravagant displays that emphasize the appeal of the flesh (1 Pet. 3:3-4). In an age when popular culture sexualizes the appearance of men and women, godly women (and godly men, for that matter) will continue to clothe themselves modestly, for honoring God is their first priority. To do less shamefully exposes not only a person’s body, but also a heart that is not ashamed of that which is shameful (Jer. 8:12).