Since the beginning of time, both men and women have struggled with the need to dress in a way that is pleasing to God. Today’s society is no different. Whether one is at work or play, he is constantly being subjected to the sins that come with immodest dress. As Christians, we are not to be “conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (KJV) This article will mainly discuss only one aspect of modesty: lewdness. But what is lewdness? How can we define it? And what are the outcomes of not dressing modestly?

First, lewd apparel is NOT defined by the culture in which one lives. If that is the case, then situational ethics come into play. With that same argument, I can approve cannibalism, (if I live in a culture that practices such). Or, I can defend the slaughtering of millions of Jews during the Second World War because it was condoned under the culture of the Nazi Government. Situational ethics is a flawed argument for me to use in defense of wearing whatever I so choose.

So, where do I go to determine what is lewd apparel and what is not? With every question of life, the Bible is my source for answers. God has revealed some basic principles for us to follow in the realm of modesty. Unlike some laws of God, the definition of lewdness has been consistent since the beginning. A parallel can be found in Matthew 19. When questioned by the Pharisees about the laws of marriage, Jesus sent them back to the beginning, before the Law of Moses, when He said, “Have you not read, that He which made them at the beginning…” (Matthew 19:4) Under the Law of Moses the Israelites were granted some changes to God’s pattern, but God was not pleased, and Jesus taught His followers to go back to the original pattern, Matthew 19:1-12.

Likewise, God’s pattern for modest dress was established from the beginning when He clothed Adam and Eve while they were still in the garden of Eden, Genesis 3:21-24. Society may have changed our perception of modesty, but God’s will has not changed. What then is God’s will? How did He define modesty?

We need to study Genesis in order to answer these questions. Then, we can look at some other Biblical examples in order to obtain a more thorough understanding of the principles introduced in Genesis. Finally, we should refer to some passages in the New Testament that will give us some practical ways to implement these principles in our every day lives.

Genesis 2:25-3:24-Both man and woman had been created, the institution of marriage had been established; and yet, the knowledge of good and evil had yet to be shared with humans, 2:25-3:5. Adam and Eve “were both naked…and were not ashamed, (2:25). Not until they had eaten the forbidden fruit were their eyes “opened, and they knew that they were naked: and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons,” (3:7). What were these aprons? According to Young’s Analytical Concordance of the Bible, ‘apron’ comes from the root word ‘chagorah’. Another translation of ‘Chagorah’ is ‘girdle’, as found in 2 Samuel 18:11; 1 Kings 2:5; and Isaiah 3:24. When one thinks of a girdle, it is usually something that covers the mid section of the body. The passage in 1 Kings bears this out when Joab, “put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.” This would be similar to wearing a pair of gym shorts or a man’s swimsuit. So, were Adam and Eve now modest since their mid sections were covered? Men, especially, appear in public clothed in nothing but shorts, and our society accepts it readily. Yet, was God pleased with the clothing these first people made for themselves? Further reading in the text should answer this question.

Beginning in verse eight, we find that Adam has tried to hide from God, even after he and Eve have donned their aprons. When questioned as to his reason for hiding, Adam replied, “I was afraid because I was naked,” (3:10). Through his new knowledge of good and evil, Adam was able to determine that being nude is not the only form of Biblical nakedness. Being scantily clothed is another form of nakedness, and of such, God does not approve. Verse 21 states, “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” Various Biblical scholars have defined these coats of skin as a type of clothing that covered from the shoulders to the knees, (Old Testament Word Studies, by William Wilson and Smith’s Bible Dictionary.) Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible defines it as “a tunic, long coat”. Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary defines it as a “coat, garment, robe”. Thus, God’s principles on modest apparel were given to man from the very beginning. Other Bible passages give examples of both modest and immodest attire. These passages need to be examined, as well.

In Isaiah chapter 47, God is announcing His upcoming judgment on Babylon because of their wickedness. Through the prophet, this evil empire is told that its “nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen” (verse 3). This nakedness would be uncovered when the thigh was uncovered (verse 2). What a telling statement this is! The uncovered thigh is Biblical nakedness! Yet, our society flaunts short skirts, shorts that may or may not cover the thighs, and swimsuits. Am I saying that an outfit MUST reach the knees? I cannot find in the Scriptures an exact line to draw as to what is too short. Yet, as Christians, we are told to “Flee youthful lusts,” (2 Timothy 2:22) not see how close we can get to the edge before sinning.

Over the years some godly women have blessed me with some tips on how to determine if my clothing is showing too much of my body. Find a full-length mirror and do the following:

Turn around. Is the clothing so tight that there is nothing hidden?
Bend over as if you’re picking up something from the floor. Are your breasts or even a portion of your cleavage showing? Only your husband should be seeing this!
Sit down. Does your blouse ride up so that your mid section is bare?
While sitting, look at your legs. If you’re wearing a skirt or shorts, how high up your legs do they go when sitting? God didn’t say that modesty was only required during standing positions. What about the slit in that skirt? Are your thighs left uncovered?

This may raise another question, though: Is being completely covered the only way I can show modesty in my attire? Not according to Genesis 38. Here, a woman was thought to be a harlot because she was too covered. Obviously, certain styles of clothing are associated with certain lifestyles or religions. Dressing in such a way as to be easily confused with one of these groups is yet another form of immodest dress.

How, then, can I determine what is and what is not modest? We now need to go to a well-known New Testament passage, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, to make some practical applications. “In 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; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (KJV) Vine’s offers the following definitions: shamefacedness -“ a sense of shame,” sobriety - “soundness of mind…it is that habitual inner self-government, with its constant rein on all the passions and desires, which would hinder the temptation to these from arising…”. We are to dress in such a way as to reflect our godliness. Unfortunately, many of us have lost such a sense of shame that we fail to blush at our choices in clothing. Braided hair (NKJV), gold, and pearls - is the apostle Paul telling us that we cannot have nice clothing or fancy hairstyles? I believe Paul is teaching that the inward person is where our emphasis should be placed, as is also seen in Peter’s teaching, 1 Peter 3:3,4. Do my actions show a materialistic attitude? Yes, we can have well-made, quality clothing. The virtuous wife in Proverbs 31 had a household “clothed with scarlet. She makes “tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.” (verses 21,22) But, where is my heart? According to Matthew 6:24, “…You cannot serve God and mammon” (riches). Additionally, does my expensive clothing make those who are lacking such luxuries uncomfortable? Am I placing an artificial barrier between us? Where do my priorities lie?

Through a careful study of God’s Word, it is apparent that modest apparel comes from both the right attitude and from avoiding extreme attire, (too little, too much, or even in a way as to draw unwanted attention to myself). I realize that dressing according to God’s standard may require extra effort on our part. No longer can we grab any piece of garment off the sales rack without first doing a rundown on its level of modesty. Yet, people professing godliness are willing to go to great lengths in order to please their Maker.

Finally, what is the outcome if I choose to not take this matter seriously? First of all, I am putting my own soul in danger of an eternity in Hell. If that weren’t bad enough, I may be tempting some godly men to lust after me, Matthew 5:27-28. David lusted after Bathsheba, and both became guilty of adultery, 2 Samuel 11. We will be held accountable if we are the cause for someone to sin, Mark 9:42.

Most of this article is addressed to the need for women to dress correctly. But, as it has been shown, God demands modest dress from men, as well. We all need to clothe ourselves in the godly fashion. The eternal judgment of our souls depends on it!