Topical Bible: Dress: Changes of Clothes, the Folly of Excessive

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In the biblical context, clothing serves not only as a practical necessity but also as a symbol of status, identity, and spiritual condition. The Bible addresses the topic of clothing and the potential folly of excessive concern with changes of clothes, emphasizing modesty, humility, and the inner character over outward appearance.

Biblical References and Context

The Bible provides numerous references to clothing, often highlighting the dangers of excessive focus on outward adornment. In Isaiah 3:16-24, the prophet Isaiah warns the daughters of Zion about their haughty demeanor and obsession with finery: "The Lord says, 'Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, walking with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling their bracelets, the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will make their foreheads bare.'" (Isaiah 3:16-17). This passage illustrates the consequences of prioritizing external beauty over spiritual integrity.

Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle Peter advises women to focus on inner beauty rather than elaborate hairstyles and expensive clothes: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4). This teaching underscores the value of inner virtues over external appearances.

The Folly of Excessive Concern

The Bible consistently warns against the folly of excessive concern with clothing and material possessions. In Matthew 6:28-29, Jesus teaches about the futility of worrying over clothing: "And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these." . This passage encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to prioritize spiritual matters over material concerns.

The account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 further illustrates the dangers of excessive indulgence in luxury. The rich man, who "was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day" (Luke 16:19), ultimately faces eternal separation from God, highlighting the transient nature of earthly wealth and the importance of spiritual richness.

Modesty and Humility

The Bible advocates for modesty and humility in dress, reflecting a heart aligned with God's values. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul instructs women to dress modestly and with decency: "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." . This guidance extends beyond women, encouraging all believers to reflect their faith through modest and humble attire.

Spiritual Clothing

Beyond physical garments, the Bible frequently uses clothing as a metaphor for spiritual truths. Believers are called to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24) and to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). These passages emphasize the importance of spiritual adornment, urging Christians to cultivate virtues that reflect their identity in Christ.

In summary, while the Bible acknowledges the practical and symbolic roles of clothing, it warns against the folly of excessive concern with changes of clothes. Instead, it calls believers to prioritize inner beauty, modesty, and spiritual virtues, reflecting a heart devoted to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 27:16
Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... His care to provide evidence for His miracles, [257]78, [258]125, [259]129; improved
upon nature, [260]78; changes men's disposition ... Deceit, folly of, [738]150 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
... Sometimes her head-dress only was soaked with it, but ... hours of the day, and all the
changes of the ... night, while sleeping, make them into baby clothes and caps ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/the life of anne catherine.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... are calculated to animate even an excessive zeal for ... itself in undiminished honour
through all the subsequent changes. ... the putting on of a better dress, so the ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

part i
... passes without stopping, and my body, even during my lifetime, constantly changes
and passes on ... In the words of our Saviour, God clothes the grass of the field ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the fidelity of Judah to the descendants of Solomon, and the repeated changes of
dynasty ... the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... it must have something got for its succour: so Christ had swaddling clothes prepared
for ... Women will dress their children, that every one may see them how fine ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm