Why the New Testament Forbids Jewelry and Makeup for Women

In an age where self-expression is encouraged through fashion, cosmetics, and adornment, Christians are often confronted with the question: Does God care about how we dress or decorate our bodies? While some view clothing and accessories as mere externalities, Scripture presents a much deeper perspective. The Bible is not silent about the way a woman should carry herself, especially in relation to modesty, humility, and godliness.

1 Timothy 2:9-10 – A Clear Instruction

Paul gives us a direct word on the matter:

“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; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Tim. 2:9-10)

This instruction is not a cultural suggestion but a godly principle. Paul doesn’t simply say “don’t put your trust in outward beauty”; rather, he says not to wear such adornments. He clearly forbids certain types of attire and any appearance that draws undue attention to wealth, beauty, or sensuality. This passage teaches that Christian women should dress with modesty, humility, and godly self-control.

Some Christians may argue that Paul was not prohibiting the wearing of jewelry in 1 Timothy 2:9 but merely advising against placing outer adornment ahead of spiritual virtue. While there is some truth to this, it doesn’t negate the fact that Paul gives an explicit list of things that Christian women should not wear. And beyond Paul’s words, there is overwhelming biblical evidence that shows how jewelry and makeup contradict the spiritual principles God calls His people to follow.

Biblical Principles Violated by Jewelry and Makeup

To understand why the Christian should avoid jewelry and makeup, we must look at the broader teaching of Scripture—both Old and New Testaments.

Moderation & Humility

The Old Testament allowed more visible signs of wealth, but the New Testament holds Believers to a higher standard—one of humility and spiritual-mindedness. Christians are called to esteem the lowly (Mat. 20:16; Luk. 14:13; 1 Cor. 1:27; Jas. 2:5) and to live with moderation and discretion (Php. 4:5; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:3-4). Flaunting wealth through gold, pearls, or costly clothing directly contradicts the spirit of humility that should define the Believer.

Equality in the Church

James rebukes the early church for favoring the rich over the poor (Jas. 2:2-5). Yet jewelry and luxurious attire are often used to showcase social status—something wholly inconsistent with the Gospel’s call to unity and equality. How can a church emphasize spiritual equality while endorsing symbols of worldly division?

Modesty vs. Vanity

In Psalm 119:37, we read: “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity.” Vanity is not harmless. The New Testament condemns a lifestyle of self-centeredness and superficiality (Eph. 4:17-19; 1 Pet. 1:18). Outward adornment often stems from a vain desire to impress others or seek attention through distinction—something a godly woman must forsake.

Financial Stewardship

Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor (Mat. 19:21). How then can we justify spending large sums of money on items like jewelry that serve no eternal purpose? Adornment is not only vain, but also wasteful—resources that could support the poor or fund ministry are instead used to enhance personal appearance.

True Christian Piety

In Lk. 16:15, Jesus warns: “That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Society praises glitz and glamor, but God calls His people to holiness and spiritual focus. Christian piety is marked by inward devotion, not outward extravagance.

What About Makeup?

Makeup, like jewelry, is almost always associated with vanity, pride, and a dissatisfaction with God’s design. The most notable biblical example of makeup is Jezebel—infamous for her wickedness and paganism:

“And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.” (2 Kin. 9:30)

Jezebel’s painted face was not an innocent gesture. It was part of her manipulative and seductive persona—a reflection of her spiritual corruption. Her attempt to preserve her influence and appearance as judgment approached is a sobering image.

Many women today apply makeup to alter, exaggerate, or conceal their true appearance. But if we truly believe that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psa. 139:14), why attempt to “correct” what God designed? The use of cosmetics is often rooted in the belief that our natural appearance is not enough.

Even secular sources recognize the shift makeup introduced to society. The 1956 edition of Encyclopedia Americana states:

“The last two decades have seen make-up progress from its early category of woman’s conceit to become an art and an integral part of feminine beauty and psychology. Chief credit for this about-face and the widespread use of cosmetics should go to the motion picture industry...”

Hollywood made vanity mainstream. But the Christian is not called to follow the world (Rom. 12:2), but to be set apart.

“Braided” Hair – A Cultural Key

Paul also prohibits “broided hair” in 1 Tim. 2:9. But what exactly is he referring to?

In Paul’s day, “braided” hair referred not to simple plaits, but elaborate Roman hairstyles called Flavian braids, which involved weaving in gold, pearls, and even colored wool. These styles were expensive, time-consuming, and unmistakably ostentatious. According to Wikipedia:

“During the Flavian period (79–81 CE), the daughter of Roman Emperor Titus, Julia, created lavish up-dos consisting of wire frames, and twisted braids and curls studded with jewelry of every kind. These elaborate hairstyles...indicated a woman’s wealth and available leisure time.”

This explains Paul’s command. He wasn’t condemning basic hair braids—he was forbidding the rich from flaunting their status in the church through luxurious hairstyles. His teaching upholds the values of modesty, humility, and equality in the body of Christ.

Comparing 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:3-4

Peter echoes Paul’s concerns, though his focus is slightly different:

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart…” (1 Pet. 3:3-4)

Peter is concerned with the heart. He urges women not to focus on outward beauty, but on inner character—a “meek and quiet spirit,” which God treasures. While he doesn’t give as detailed a dress code as Paul, he reinforces the same principle: don’t obsess over appearance.

Paul, meanwhile, gives precise instruction for women’s attire in worship and public life. He lists specific forbidden adornments and calls women to prioritize good works and godly living over external presentation.

Some attempt to use Peter’s general language to soften Paul’s stricter instruction, but both teachings are in harmony. Peter emphasizes inward beauty; Paul clarifies what that looks like in practical, outward terms. Neither allows for vanity, extravagance, or pride.

Final Thoughts: God Looks at the Heart—But the Heart Shows on the Outside

Yes, God looks on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). But Scripture is clear: the heart is revealed by the choices we make—how we speak, act, and dress. A godly woman should not feel the need to compete with the world’s standards of beauty or indulge in the vain traditions of society.

Instead, she should ask: Am I honoring God with how I present myself?– Does this choice reflect modesty, humility, and piety?– Would Christ be pleased with this appearance?

Jewelry, makeup, and extravagant fashion may be praised by the world, but in the eyes of God, they are symbols of pride and vanity. The true adornment of a Christian woman is “a meek and quiet spirit,” good works, and a lifestyle that glorifies the Lord.

Let us, then, heed the counsel of Scripture and pursue a beauty that does not fade—a beauty that is spiritual, sincere, and sanctified.