I desire that in every place the men should pray lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling. Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel with modesty and self-control. Not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess Godliness – with good works (1 Timothy 2:8-10)
The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about being sound in doctrine.
If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. (1 Timothy 4:6)
And one of the ways we show we are submissive to right teaching is how we consider one another in worship.
Paul singles out anger for men and modesty for women.
Why is that?
Because anger is a problem area for many men and modesty a problem area for many women. Men can combat against anger with prayer. And we’re told in multiple places that our prayers are to be filled with thanksgiving.
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Continue steadfast in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)
It is the best assault on an ungrateful or quarrelsome heart. Men, keep your hands holy, devoted to unity and not division.
I wash my hands in innocence
And go around Your altar, O Lord,
Proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
And telling all Your wondrous deeds! (Psalm 26:6-7)
Likewise, concerning holiness, women should practice modesty and self-control. In other words, don’t dress to draw attention to yourself.
This is not to say that you can’t wear make up or look nice. But you are to dress in a way that is proper for a woman who professes Godliness.
Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’ sight is very precious. (1 Peter 3:4)
Ladies – when your attire is too revealing, you are being inconsiderate of the men around you. Yes, they must take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). But don’t make that more difficult for them than it already is. Look out for your brothers in Christ, as we are to look out for each other.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey His commandments. (1 John 1:2)
Men and women – when we devote ourselves to the teaching of God, even in matters of anger and modesty, we show that we belong to the children of God… when we understand the text.
(Many of the Bible stories and verses we think we know, we don’t! When We Understand the Text is an internet-based video ministry committed to righting some of the wrong understanding of scripture, all while advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Check out more at WWUTT.com!)