There are some that say jewelry is a sin, and all who wear it, do so because of pride, and perversion… Let’s look at the issue…
GOD is not against jewelry
Even though some suppose, teach, preach and declare that HE is.
Let us deal first with 1 Peter 3:3
(1 Peter 3:3) Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Peter is not prohibiting or calling for a total abstinence in this area, but rather counseling against excess use of gold and silver. It is easy for one to see quite quickly by simply surveying the immediate wording… Lets look -
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold. or of putting on of apparel; (l Peter 3:3).
You could I assume forbid the plaiting of the hair and the wearing of jewelry but problems now arise should we demand the latter portion of the text. “or of putting on of apparel”.
You can’t enforce this portion of the text! For we could never enforce a “no apparel standard!
Though such a statement almost seems comical, many have chosen to use this portion of scripture, declaring absolute adherence to it, without considering the real ramifications of it.
We must use reason and logic, if Peter is forbidding women to wear any jewelry at all, to be consistent he is also forbidding them to wear clothes as well, and who would accept such a premise? Who would dare demand such a ordinance? None! Yet many churches quote this very text as one that is forbidding women to wear jewelry. Let us consider an expert or two…
From Barnes Commentary on 1 Peter, page 159, we have these remarks:
"It cannot be supposed that all wearing of gold about the person is wrong, for there is nothing evil in gold itself. and there may be some articles connected with apparel made of gold that in no manner draw off the affections from higher things, and may do nothing to endanger piety."
Gill Expository
Or that only and principally; let not that be solely or chiefly attended to, nor anxiously sought after, nor ever in order to allure and ensnare others, or to fill with pride and vanity; nor should it be indecent and luxurious, immodest and immoderate, and unsuitable to the age, character, and station of persons; otherwise clothing is both convenient and necessary; and a decent garb, neat and modest apparel, and what is suitable to the years, rank, and quality of persons, is very commendable: nor are we to suppose that the apostle forbids the use of what follows, but only when used in a luxurious and extravagant manner, and to feed pride and vanity, and encourage, lasciviousness and wantonness:
And of wearing of gold; or "golden things"; golden ornaments, as bracelets, chains, and rings, or pieces of gold stuck in the plaitings and folds of the hair. The Jewish women used to wear a crown of gold on their head, in the form of the city of Jerusalem, called a golden city (n); and which they wore, after its destruction, in memory of it; ….Not that the sense is, that every thing of this kind is forbidden, but when used to excess and extravagance; otherwise the daughters of Abraham and Sarah were decked with ear rings, bracelets, and jewels of gold; see Gen_24:22.
So the experts agree and it will be further illustrated, the point of the text is not to forbid jewelry altogether. But instead that it be done in moderation…..
IDIOMS
Let us further consider the use of a what is known as an idiom which is a manner of speaking, common to scripture.
Ralph Woodrow’s book entitled: Women's Adomment, pages 17 and 18, explains this further
"An "idiom" is a manner of speaking distinctive of a certain people or language. In this case, the idiom was a manner of speaking which would minimize a first clause in order to emphasize a second clause. Today, in order to express the thought contained in this type of idiom, we would place the word "only" in thef1rstclause. and "also" (or perhaps "rather") in the second clause, as follows:
"Let not a woman's adorning be (only) that of outward things, (such as fixing her hair, wearing gold, or pearls or apparel) but (also, rather) let it be the inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit."
With this idiom, the emphasis is on the second clause, but it does not do away with the first. It is in addition to it." We can find many examples of this idiom used in the Bible:
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth Unto everlasting life (John 6:27).
If we fail to recognize the use of idioms in the WORD OF GOD, we can see that we must not work for the food we eat, yet the bible states if a man does not work, he does not eat… There is no contradiction here… an idiom is in place and this is not uncommon concerning biblical literature.
Consider the following:
Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men. but unto God (Acts 5:4).
We know that Ananias and Sapphira did not lie to men (only), but (also) to God. This is what the text really says.
With this in mind we can now understand the verses given here on women's and jewelry. We can see that the true meaning is not that a woman should not wear any jewelry at all, but instead she is to be modest in this practice, this is not be who she is, but instead she should seek a quiet and a meek spirit. To properly interpret this passage one must agree that Peter is talking about excesses in a woman’s adorning, not abstinence. That she is to be chaste, discreet and modest, it is not however a call for total abstinence, as some insist it to be!
Certainly one can allow their appearance to be so sensual or gaudy that it hinders their witness. Men and woman alike should be concerned with the appearance of Godliness and modesty, to testify of the Holy Spirit within. Women, nor men should be gaudy, loud or showy… Modesty can be attained however without these stringent rules that some have tried to impose, and demand as biblical, without real support for such a view.
Let us look at a few scriptures that display jewelry in a positive light….
The fatber of the Jews, Abraham sent his servant to get Rebecca for Isaac. One of the first things the servant of Abraham did was to give Rebecca a quarter ounce "golden earring" and "two bracelets for her, hands" (Genesis 24:22).
Abraham the father of the faithful. The example for us all, gives Rebecca “a quarter ounce "golden earring" and "two bracelets for her, hands. If these items are such sinful, abominable things, why would this giant of faith give these as gifts? In this we see nothing stating that Rebecca was sinning while wearing this jewelry, or that giving it to her was sinful, no reprimands, no corrections…
Further more if the practice was suitable for the future daughter in law of Abraham certainly it was suitable for Abraham’s own wife! Why did GOD not call from heaven to discuss this with Abraham? Perhaps because the practice was acceptable.
Let us be reminded that Sarah is referred to as the model of modesty and was called a holy and submissive woman, the one to be exampled in the very text we are discussing, 1 Peter 3: 1-6!
In the Exodus 3:19-22 The LORD tells Moses that the Israelite women are to take the Egyptian jewelry and put them on their sons and on their daughters. Why would GOD command such a thing if wearing jewelry were a sin? Could it be once again that wearing it is not a sin – but instead going to excess with it, as it is with other perfectly fine items?
In Ezekiel 16:11-14 We have another instance… GOD says HE gave
Is not uncommon to find such an action from the LORD. For there are many times throughout scripture riches and blessings where misused, for this GOD removed the blessing. This however did not eternally condemn or defile the blessing..such as jewelry, wood, or any other blessing of GOD.
Look at the following scriptures, you’ll see jewelry being used by GOD in a positive fashion.
(Eze 16:9) Then washed I thee with water; yea, I thoroughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil.
(Eze 16:10) I clothed thee also with embroidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk.
(Eze 16:11) I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.
(Eze 16:12) And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head.
(Eze 16:13) Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and embroidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.
(Eze 16:14) And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD.
Proverbs 25: 11, 12 says: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
In Proverbs 1 :8,9 jewelry again is spoken of in a positive sense:
My son, near the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck
In Job 42:11 and 12 we see that after the trying of Job the LORD blessed Job through his friends, they gave Job twice as much back, and look what is mention among the blessings!
(Job 42:11) Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.
In the book of Daniel chapter 5 verse 29, Daniel wore a chain of gold around his neck, in the same chapter he is proclaimed as having an excellent spirit. Daniel certainly was not known for compromise and would not defile himself in any way, Daniel had rejected the kings wine, and asked to follow his own diet but he did not reject the necklace.
(Dan 5:29) Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Joseph
Genesis 41 :42: And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of.fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck
Exodus 28, 29 and 31 reference is made to the adornment of the High Priest. He was covered with jewelry! This was worn by divine command!
Pearls are used in describing the gates of the holy city…. (Revelation 21:21).
Jesus said in Matthew 7:6..... neither cast ye your pearls before swine. Pearls here would represent something good and swine represents filthiness and evil.
The fact is there are fewer negative references in the bible than those that are associated with those who where idol worshippers.
Some try to point to negative association of the misuse of jewelry such as when
Where this form of deduction…..to be the case we could case things such as Judas who betrayed the LORD with a kiss – There fore kissing would be deemed as evil, for Judas abused the privilege of a kiss for ill means.
You can abuse any good thing and make it into a sin. That alone however does not and cannot constitute a practice or an item as a sin..
Jewelry can certainly be abused, it can be worn in a manner that is gaudy, showy and prideful. In this manner the wearing of it would be sinful. The item itself is not sinful but the manner in which it is used. This is true with many things – hence the truth of the matter “let your moderation be known among all men.”
This is why the Old and the New Testaments display jewelry as something positive, a blessing. The rebuke or correction was not the item, but the misuse of the item. This however is not suitable ground for a standard against it, and it is not a credible new testament doctrine.
The purpose of the study is not to grant liberty to those who want to be showy and gaudy with their jewels, in fact we have adequately stated that this in not proper. But instead it is to refute a “holiness standard” that has no business for existence, that is in no manner a verifiable new or old testament doctrine
Should there be guidelines for jewelry – Certainly those that are biblical – It should not be costly, flashy, or gaudy. It should be modest, and conducive to a good witness. This is a truth – that however is a far cry from total abstinence, and breaking fellowship over wedding bands, earrings or necklaces!
The following questions have been submitted regarding : Jewelry, let me answer them -
Question: I was told that jewelry is vanity, is this true?
Answer
Lets look at “Vanity”
van•i•ty
1. The quality or condition of being vain.
2. Excessive pride in one's appearance or accomplishments; conceit. See Synonyms at conceit.
3. Lack of usefulness, worth, or effect; worthlessness.
In this context we see that vanity, and I think I’ll start with the most logical, which is term “2” is “Excessive pride in one's appearance or accomplishments” That is to address and encompass then the area of adornment as a whole. Which some fail to allow it, for they limit the true definition of “vanity”, to certain personal prejudices, such as jewelry or make up.
Vanity is not simply just to address some forms of adornment, but all forms of adornment, and it is “vanity” when that adornment becomes “excessive in ones appearance.”
So now I wonder when and who chooses excess? The UPCI, ALJC, independents, organizations, pastors…who?
We do not have a defined rendition of excess, except that excess in the area of adornment is vanity.
To say that make up or jewelry are vanity in the arena of adornment is not true, since vanity is excessive adornment, which make up and jewelry are not excessive…. But they simply can be….
This truth that “they can be” is alone not enough to condemn or label the practice as vanity.
Because many things can be vanity! …
You can buy a neck tie for several hundred dollars and higher… or you can buy one for fifty bucks and higher, or you can buy them for $15…. Who decides when one has become vain …..
the $30.00 mark
the $75.00 mark
the $150.00 mark…
In the Pentecostal arena – you would find a variety of preachers who pay all the above and think it suitable. When does it become “excess adornment” and who decides? – So it is unmeritorious to say that all make up and jewelry are vanity, based on the definition supplied, for they are not excessive in their application…. They only pose the danger of “they can be”.
The problem is so can many other acceptable forms of adornment, can be vanity too.
Because we have this undefined idea of vanity, many choose the line they want to follow for themselves. In that form we see arguments over: watches, wedding bands, and neck ties, and jewelry and makeup..
If you know Pentecostal history you know that early on there was in fact a major split over neckties and their adornment… as it was labeled “vanity”! It now has the pass, somehow. I think that comes from just being accepted by the right people and now we don’t even think about it.
Let me add this
From Barnes Commentary on 1 Peter, page 159, we have these remarks:
"It cannot be supposed that all wearing of gold about the person is wrong, for there is nothing evil in gold itself. and there may be some articles connected with apparel made of gold that in no manner draw off the affections from higher things, and may do nothing to endanger piety."
Question 3
Tell all the Israelite men and women to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold.” Exodus 11:2 (NLT)
And the people of
God gave them the jewelry of the Egyptians when the departed thru the red sea, But then a strange thing happened, Their jewelry became the idols of the Israelites . Jewelry became a sin?
Answer
God did give jewelry, but that same jewelry did not drive them into idolatry. They used it for idolatry. There is quite a difference here. Many of the things GOD has given to men have been perverted….. and the use of them becomes sinful
Sex
Music
Gold
GOD’S own WORD
The jewelry was not the sin. The pride and the idolatry and the manner of which they used it was sin….. So you are condemning the spirit of the people which is correct, but have placed the blame on the wrong thing.
The question suggests it is the jewelry’s fault, it was not. It was the heart of the people….
When one commits a crime with a handgun, the handgun is not at fault but the sinner who used it, and so on.
It should be dually noted with all this history to boot, Jesus still uses a ring in his parable of the prodigal son to show a bestowment of blessing, and honor to his life…. Why not during the parable of the prodigal son use a ring in the portion of the boy’s life, when he lived riotously, to further display his disgrace? Instead he uses it during the redemption phase of the parable, as a token of honor.
"It cannot be supposed that all wearing of gold about the person is wrong, for there is nothing evil in gold itself. and there may be some articles connected with apparel made of gold that in no manner draw off the affections from higher things, and may do nothing to endanger piety."
In Ezekiel 16: 11-14, God says He gave
(Eze 16:10) I clothed thee also with embroidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk.
(Eze 16:11) I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.
(Eze 16:12) And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head.
(Eze 16:13) Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and embroidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.
(Eze 16:14) And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD.
I am sorry who gave?
GOD gave them jewels and gold and silver ornaments. Someone needs to inform GOD that this is a sin….
Unfortunately they later made idols of the gold and worshipped those idols, but the gold and silver ornaments where not the sin, it is what they did with it.
We see many items being used for idolatry in the bible that does not condemn the use of them
Deu 29:17 And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:)
(Jer 10:3) For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
(Jer 10:4) They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
So we see wood, stone, silver and gold all used in conjunction with idolatry – are you ready now to buy your plastic bubble house, since at one time wood was used for idolatry?
Idolatry was the sin…. Not the jewelry ..
Some have tried to use the negative association of the misuse of jewelry such as when
The act of Procreation has been abused – but this does not condemn the practice when used properly
Hammers and nails to crucify the LORD – what a terrible abuse, yet we still use those items
Jewelry was abused and is abused by some, that alone does not condemn it
Men and women alike should strive to be modest in all endeavors. This includes jewelry, and our wearing of it. The bible therefore teaches this – and text is a call for moderation in this area…. It is not however a call for abstinence.
