Chapter 23
FOR YOUNG WOMEN
WHAT THE WORD OF GOD FORBIDS.
Dress and vanity. “I will therefore * * * that women adorn themselves * * * not with broidered hair, or gold or pearls, or costly array.” “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, or of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel” (1 Tim. 2:99In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; (1 Timothy 2:9); 1 Peter 3:33Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; (1 Peter 3:3)).
What the Word of God Enjoins
As to dress and trite adornment. “I will therefore ... that women adorn themselves with modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety ... with good works” (1 Tim. 2:9-109In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. (1 Timothy 2:9‑10)). “Whose adorning let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner, in the old time holy women also, who, trusted in God, adorned them selves” (1 Peter 4:4-54Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. (1 Peter 4:4‑5)).
As to walk. ‘‘And now I beseech thee, lady ... . that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment. That as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it” (2 John, 5-6).
Let us consider together a little the meaning of the scriptures quoted above.
The first danger they point out and also dwell upon at greatest length, is that of dress. So much has already been spoken and written upon this subject that were it not evident that the Spirit speaking both through Peter and Paul regards it of the first importance, nothing more need be said. But we trust our readers will bear with another word on this subject.
The warning in each case specifies that natural adornments (as of hair), artificial adornments (such as gold or pearls), and gay or costly attire are to be particularly avoided. Is such a word unneeded now? Alas! no. It is also high time that every woman who loves the Lord, makes a decided stand on this point. It is one of the silent ways in which a woman can testify for Christ. The public ministry of the Word is peculiarly for men; to godly women God gives a special way of witnessing even by their very dress. A woman’s attire ought to be a subject of serious thought with her (since God has not considered it beneath His notice) and in it surely she should study to please the Lord. He must be the object, or all is valueless, for a nun may be prouder of her gown than a lady of her train; still although the Word of God prescribes nothing more than “modest apparel,” it distinctly and emphatically condemns costly, worldly dress and ornaments. If therefore believers will dress as the Word forbids, they are committing a very serious sin with their eyes open. How is it with you, dear reader? Have you so learned to obey God’s Word, as to heed its solemn voice on this matter, in spite of every inclination to the contrary? O beware of disobeying God by gratifying a love of vanity and dress.
May the Lord reach your conscience with these few words, and show you, perhaps, the secret of much deadness and coldness. If we please ourselves instead of Christ, we shall reap nothing but corruption. From this day let one word describe your appearance on every occasion — “modest apparel.”
The next danger to be avoided is that of foolish talking and evil speaking. We are all prone to this in spite of the many solemn warnings God has given that of every idle word that we speak we shall yet give account. Surely a great deal of talking and letter writing must be included under the head of “idle words.” There is no doubt but that we all require continually to read James 3, a chapter that is but little studied generally. We never shall know till that day the terrible results of idle words and gossip.
Those whom we now address should especially beware of this sin. They have frequent opportunities for social converse, and at such times a strict watch should be set over the door of the lips, that the speech may be that which is good, to the use of edifying! It is distressing to think how many golden hours of the few remaining days before our Lord’s return are not only wasted, but are thus positively used for Satan. Beware, then, of listening to, or circulating, that which is not good; and whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, “think on these things.” Having spoken of wasting time, it is well to remember there are also other ways in which Satan steals our hours. Many a child of God (it may be the one who is reading these lines) spends more time in the day over some light and foolish book than over her Bible. Novel reading in some shape or form is very common way, even amongst young Christians of wasting many a precious hour.
(To be Continued).