Woman of Modesty

Kristine Cucinotta Murphy

1 Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;”

In part 1, I touched on modest apparel and shamefacedness. Part 2 was on sobriety. This article is on broided hair, gold, or pearls or costly array.

Ladies of the LORD are created to have their heads covered in reverence, honor, and submission to God’s order. She was not created to lead men, but to be a help-meet. Mariam was a prime example of the thought believing she was in the same authority, position and had the same rights and privileges as Moses. We all know what happened to her for her high-minded, out of order thought.

Numbers 12:2
And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.

Numbers 12:9-10
And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed.
And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

We do not have the same privileges or positions of authority and because we do not, we are to have our heads covered if at all possible by our untouched, pure, long hair to display the beauty, chaste, submissive role of a woman.

1 Corinthians 11:5-6
But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

1 Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

Broided hair does not cover the head the way God designed it to nor does it represent chaste, pure, holiness. By God’s word it shows disregard to God and His divine order.

Gold, or pearls, or costly array;

A woman of Modesty does not decorate herself with gold, pearls or costly array for the simple fact she is all of those and them some as Proverbs 31:10 states: for her price is far above rubies. She knows her worth in Christ is far greater than those. She knows she is the hidden treasure to be found; like a pearl. Pearls take years to form and are hidden in the covering of a shell. And she was designed to be cherished, admired, kept and protected by her husband alone.

She extends her hand to the poor and needy. She has compassion and walks with the lowly in spirit. She lives in meekness with a generous heart, who is approachable but not a “look at me” nor “materialistic” person. She is a nurturer by nature and rather buy and give to someone what they need, than to buy and flaunt around in costly array. She joyfully puts herself last with no questions asked. She gives her last two mites with full trust in the LORD.

She has no desire for the riches of the world knowing all is vanity and will fade away. She puts her money where her mouth is in ministry work within her community and stores her riches in heaven. She’s the hidden hand of all mankind and desires to stay hidden for she knows the significance and power of Matthew 6:3-4

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

She is highly favored and her children and husband call her blessed and give her praise.

She is a needed part of God’s purpose in building his Kingdom.