Wearing jewelry and makeup has been a part of human culture for centuries.
People adorn themselves with these items for various reasons—beauty, self-expression, status, or tradition.
But what does the Bible say about wearing jewelry and makeup?
Is it something that’s encouraged, discouraged, or neutral in the eyes of God?
Christians today might wonder whether wearing these items aligns with biblical principles or whether there are any guidelines that can help navigate this topic.
In this article, we’ll explore what the Bible teaches about wearing jewelry and makeup and how we can apply these teachings in modern life.
Adorning Ourselves in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, we see that jewelry was often worn and appreciated as a symbol of wealth, beauty, and even God’s blessing.
Gold, silver, and fine clothing were seen as gifts from God, and people took pride in adorning themselves with them.
For example, in Genesis 24:22, when Abraham’s servant found a wife for Isaac, he gave Rebekah jewelry to show his appreciation: “Then the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.”
This was a customary way to show value and respect.
Jewelry was also used in worship and devotion.
In Exodus 35:22, the Israelites donated their gold jewelry to help build the Tabernacle: “All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings, and ornaments.
They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.”
This shows that wearing jewelry in itself wasn’t considered sinful but could even be used for God’s purposes.
However, the Bible also gives warnings about becoming too focused on outward adornment.
In Isaiah 3:16-21, God rebukes the women of Zion for their excessive pride in their appearance: “The Lord says, ‘The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes… Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald.'”
This passage serves as a reminder that while jewelry is not inherently wrong, focusing too much on appearance can lead to vanity and pride, which God discourages.
Did Esther Wear Makeup?
One of the most iconic women in the Bible, Esther, was known for her beauty, which played a significant role in her story.
While the Bible does not explicitly state whether Esther wore makeup, it does mention that she went through extensive beauty treatments before appearing before King Xerxes.
In Esther 2:12, it says, “Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.”
This indicates that makeup and beauty enhancements were a common practice in Esther’s time, especially in royal settings.
Esther’s story demonstrates how physical appearance was important in certain cultural contexts, yet her inner character and faith are what truly made her a remarkable figure in the Bible.
Modesty and Inner Beauty
In the New Testament, the focus shifts from outward appearance to inner beauty and modesty.
One of the most well-known passages addressing this is 1 Peter 3:3-4, where Peter writes, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
Peter is not condemning the use of jewelry or nice clothing, but he is pointing out that real beauty comes from the heart.
The emphasis is on cultivating a beautiful character that reflects a love for God and others.
In a similar way, 1 Timothy 2:9-10 says, “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
Paul’s instruction here focuses on modesty and good deeds as the primary way to adorn oneself.
The message isn’t that jewelry or makeup are forbidden, but rather that Christians should be mindful not to let these outward items overshadow their inner spiritual qualities.
Balancing Appearance and Faith
The Bible doesn’t provide a specific rule about wearing jewelry or makeup, but it does offer guidelines about the heart behind how we present ourselves.
For Christians, the way we dress and adorn ourselves should reflect our faith and values.
We are called to be representatives of Christ in everything we do, including how we present ourselves outwardly.
In Colossians 3:17, it says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse encourages believers to live in a way that honors God in all aspects of life, including the choices we make about clothing and appearance.
Wearing jewelry or makeup isn’t inherently wrong, but we should consider whether our choices reflect modesty, humility, and love for God.
Are we wearing these things to draw attention to ourselves, or are we simply expressing our personality in a way that honors God?
The key is balance—allowing outward beauty to complement, not overshadow, our faith and character.
The Danger of Vanity
One of the Bible’s main concerns when it comes to appearance is vanity.
In Proverbs 31:30, it says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse reminds us that physical beauty fades over time, but a heart that loves and honors God will endure.
If we become too focused on outward beauty, we can lose sight of what truly matters—our relationship with God and how we treat others.
In Ecclesiastes 1:2, Solomon writes, “Meaningless!
Meaningless!
Everything is meaningless!”
This may seem extreme, but Solomon is pointing out that chasing after superficial things like wealth, status, and beauty will ultimately leave us feeling empty.
Our appearance can easily become an idol if we spend too much time and energy on it.
Instead, the Bible encourages us to focus on things that have lasting value, such as love, kindness, and faithfulness.
When we prioritize these qualities, we are building something that will last far longer than physical beauty.
Cultural Context and Personal Conviction
When it comes to wearing jewelry and makeup, it’s important to remember that different cultures and communities have different views on appearance.
What is considered modest or appropriate in one culture may be seen differently in another.
The Bible acknowledges that culture plays a role in how people dress and adorn themselves.
In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul says, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”
This verse suggests that we should be sensitive to the cultural norms around us, as long as they don’t conflict with biblical principles.
For some Christians, wearing jewelry or makeup may feel completely fine, while for others, it might be a personal conviction to avoid them.
It’s important not to judge others based on their outward appearance but instead focus on the heart.
Romans 14 reminds us that we should not judge others for their personal convictions, stating in Romans 14:13, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.”
Instead of focusing on what someone is wearing, we should encourage one another to grow in faith and love for God.
Biblical Examples of Jewelry and Makeup
There are several examples in the Bible of people wearing jewelry and even using makeup.
For example, in Ezekiel 16:11-13, God speaks metaphorically about how He adorned Jerusalem with jewelry, saying, “I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.”
This imagery shows that jewelry is not inherently sinful but can symbolize beauty and blessing.
However, there are also negative examples of people using appearance for the wrong reasons.
In 2 Kings 9:30, we read about Jezebel, who put on makeup and adorned herself in preparation to deceive others.
Her use of makeup wasn’t wrong because of the makeup itself, but because it reflected her manipulative and deceitful heart.
These examples remind us that it’s not the outward appearance that God judges but the heart behind it.
Encouragement to Focus on Inner Beauty
The Bible consistently encourages believers to prioritize inner beauty over outward appearance.
In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.
The Lord does not look at the things people look at.
People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
This is a reminder that God values the condition of our hearts far more than how we look on the outside.
It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care about our appearance, but it does mean that our character and faith should be our primary focus.
When we cultivate kindness, humility, love, and faithfulness, we reflect the beauty that truly matters in God’s eyes.
Practical Tips for Christians
For Christians wondering how to approach wearing jewelry and makeup, the Bible offers wisdom and practical guidance.
First, it’s important to remember that God cares more about your heart than your appearance.
When making decisions about what to wear, consider whether your choices reflect modesty, humility, and respect for yourself and others.
Second, avoid letting your appearance become an idol.
While it’s fine to take care of yourself and enjoy expressing your personality, don’t let beauty or outward adornment overshadow your faith and character.
Lastly, be mindful of the cultural and community standards around you.
What is considered modest in one place might be different in another, and it’s important to respect the norms of your environment while staying true to your biblical values.
Final Thoughts
The Bible doesn’t give strict rules about wearing jewelry or makeup, but it does provide guidelines about the importance of modesty, humility, and inner beauty.
Wearing jewelry or makeup isn’t inherently sinful, but it’s crucial to examine the motivations behind these choices.
Are they drawing attention to ourselves, or are they a reflection of our personality while still honoring God?
By focusing on the condition of our hearts and prioritizing inner beauty, we can make choices that reflect both our love for God and our respect for ourselves and others.
Ultimately, God calls us to live in a way that honors Him in every aspect of our lives, including how we present ourselves to the world.