Dear All,

Am new in the board and i start a need of help.

There has been this question which has been bothering me for some time now. The issue of people and jewellery, a friend of mine once asked me if the two are one and i answered that the fisrt one leads to the other, and i was stranded for i could not give full detailed answer. If some one can assist me to know the use of rings, earrings, necklacess, bracelets, etc i would be most grateful. If it is also biblical having them. i would be very grateful

Hello James,

I apologize for responding to your inquiry rather late. Perhaps like others who have read your question, I was looking for input from someone else who might be more versed on the topic. I completed a brief search for appropriate scriptures on the subject of adornment and jewelry before praying about a response as well.

Jewelry or ornaments made of precious metals and jewels have been worn by both men and women since ancient times. Jewelry has been worn on the head, neck, arms and possibly every other part of the body, including, sad to say, some internal areas as well. Elaborate garments with gold braid, jewels, and other decoration date to ancient times also.
From the Old Testament, we learn in 1 Samuel 16:7 that while man looks on the outward appearance of a person, God looks on the inward part of man, or his heart.

1 Samuel 16:7

7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Often quoted New Testament scriptures on the subject or jewelry and adornment include these:

1 Peter 3:3-4

3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

1 Timothy 2:9-10

9In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

The beauty of consistency lies in these verses. Men and women, in their sin filled natural state, find and depict beauty in it’s outward form. As a result, through the centuries, we find jewelry and garments of elaborate and oftimes gaudy design used to glorify the creation rather than the creator. This is no more apparent than today’s society in the United States.

God instructs us to create in ourselves a quiet spirit, meekness, and a life full of modesty and inner beauty. In doing so, we glorify the creator rather than ourselves. Are we to forsake jewelry altogether? I do not believe these scriptures or others that discuss this topic in the Bible call for abolishment of jewelry. Good men and women may disagree with this position. However, the whole of God’s word does call us to live a modest life, glorifying to God, living soberly and professing godliness and good works. We are to not attempt to attract others to our outward beauty, which elaborate jewelry, alluring dress and adornment attempt to do.

God bless you James, and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Nick P.

The only time I remember the people of God using jewlery is when they took it off to melt down the gold & have Aaron fashion an Idol out of it. The scripture says for us to set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth. But it also says that if we seek first the kingdom of God, then all kinds of other stuff will be added to us. There is another scripture that says that nothing is unclean of itself; but to him that esteemeth something to be unclean to him it is unclean. I don't see anything wrong with jewlery, if it is not an idol or like a symptom of a problem like greed. Jesus died so that we can be comformed into his image; the scripture doesn't say that Jesus ran around wearing jewlery; but it does say that his coat was custom made (seemless). I think that goes to show that Jesus was at least a little concerned with his appearance & we should be too (at least a little) if we want to follow in his steps.

Beloved, jewellery dressing is no sin when opted for with a clear & pure conscience. But if it bothers so much your emotions(feelings)&/or mind, it becomes an idol. This is so true if it makes you haughty (high minded).

The truth is that jewellery dressing is all aboout investing in the flesh. Now remember he who invests in the flesh reaps the corruptible flesh. This doesn't mean eternal death or curses but losses in spirituality for example limited revelation , wisdom and knowledge of God and his glory; visits of sorrows, false satisfactons in the flesh-feeling cool Rev 3:17, etc. Why? at sometimes your conduct will be full of covetousness. Heb.13:5. So beloved watch as you desire to appear good.

Lastly about Christ, Bible says God never care d about the good appearance of Christ because he seems to have been the ugliest fellow ever lived inthe flesh. Isaiah 52:14; 53:2-4. Why? I find it challenging to people in Israel at the time of Christ in flesh( on earth), seeing an ugly fellow but with the words of life and above all with authority over all things. Christ is misrepresented in the pictures we see today. God wants people to come tto him unconditionally but with whole hearts. It is all about choice. So as a christian people should choose to join you freely not conditionally eg good appearances. 1Tim 2:9; 1Pe 3:1-6.

ilove guys- mind you i have just joined- be blessed.
peter@kampala

I was taught that the prophecy in Isaiah 52:14 was refering to the crucifixion & how during his beating you couldn't recognize that he was a human, or at least who he was because of all the punishment he took for us. Yes, in Chapter 53:2-3 it said that he wasn't anything to look at (without comlieness, or not a handsome man), but verse 4 I believe goes back to the crucifixion. But none of those verses discounts the point that I brought up, that Jesus had a one of a kind coat that the guards casted lots over who could have it after he was dead because it was so cool (& that was to fulfill another prophesy).

Dear nick,

It really took me time to get back to you, as i was also digging further to get into understanding the issue; thank you all for your support.

As i was reading about life of Jacob after aparting with his father-in-law, on reaching where he saw gate to heaven he asked all those who were with him to sanctify themselves. the bible tells us further that they removed all the their jewellry and buried them under a tree. So does this mean that when we go to worship we are not supposed to wear impurities i.e. jeweleries,etc and also our minds should be thinking positive?

Another issue came up when i was thinking of situations in countries like the one am from, Kenya where the gap between the rich and the poor is big. Now is it fair for me as a born again Christian, to spend US$ 120 buying a diamond chain while there is a beggar in need of food and comfort? It is hard for me to do that! though at times i go conterary.

So when i came about in concluding the matter i found that we are suffering from the lack of grace of GOD. And we fall in the traps of the liar, traps of selfishness, stone hearted etc. But because the one in heaven is omni-present & omni-potent, he reads not all our deeds but also He can read our minds, I mostly find myself praying to God to reveal his plans in my life so that whatever i do will be of acceptance in his sight.

May the spirit of Lord be with you always.

James

I think

quote:

that they removed all the their jewellry and buried them under a tree

may have been about getting rid of any distractions; have you ever sat next to someone with a lot of bracelets on jingling? In a solem service that could get irritating.