1 Timothy 2:9-10 Modesty in Public Worship

Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. [1 Timothy 2:9-10 NASB]

This verse is generally interpreted to mean that a woman shouldn't dress to be sexually provocative. It's true that a woman shouldn't show off her body in a way that tempts weak men. This is consistent with other scriptures that deal with sexual sins.

However, in this context, the meaning is different. There is a contrast; dress modestly, not gaudily, displaying your wealth.

It was typical in Ephesus for women of means to dress to impress. They flaunted their wealth by the fineness of their clothes, and by the gold and pearls woven into the plaits of their hair.

Paul is not saying that braiding your hair is sinful, but flaunting your wealth in public worship is inappropriate. There are some churches where the center isle is a fashion runway. In some, the more elaborate the hat, the more impressive is the woman wearing it.

Some traditions have taken this verse to the extreme. You can wear no bright colors or anything that would be considered attractive. Basically, just throw a sackcloth over your head and be done with it. That's not what this is saying either.

At its essence, this is a call to humility. Don't try to impress people with your appearance. Instead, humble yourself and serve others. This is a truth for both men and women.

Paul said that a godly woman does good works. Some women have the time to volunteer, whether that be helping out at a soup kitchen, or a community center, or any other type of giving. Other women work full time either in the home or out. It's not a command to volunteer. It's a reminder to maintain the right attitude.

Psalm 31 speaks about the virtues of an excellent woman;

She looks for wool and flax

And works with her hands in delight. She is like merchant ships;

She brings her food from afar. She rises also while it is still night

And gives food to her household

And portions to her maidens. She considers a field and buys it;

From her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength

And makes her arms strong. She senses that her gain is good;

Her lamp does not go out at night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff,

And her hands grasp the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor,

And she stretches out her hands to the needy. [Proverbs 31:13-20 NASB]

There is more. The point is that good works has many forms. Here is a woman who cares for her household. She conducts business and earns money. And she gives to the poor. She is not a trophy wife; she doesn't demand that she be taken care of. She is known for her good works.

There is no single model for what a modern woman's life should look like. She may not need to work at a job, and may have plenty of time to give to helping others. She may work full time outside the home, doing the good work of providing for her family. She may do the good work of raising children. She may fit into multiple categories, or she may not fit into any category.

What is important is that she works as unto the Lord. That she comes humbly before God as His servant. Only then can she truly give to others from the abundance of what she has received from the Lord.

Father, I pray that You will give me a humble heart, Forgive me for trying to impress others by my own merit. Please use me to do good for others.