Chapter 22—Dress

The Bible teaches modesty in dress. “In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel.” 1 Timothy 2:9. This forbids display in dress. Any device designed to attract attention to the wearer or to excite admiration (e.g., gaudy colors, profuse ornamentation) is excluded from the modest apparel that God’s Word enjoins.MHH 161.1

Our dress is to be inexpensive—not with “gold or pearls or costly clothing.” Verse 9.MHH 161.2

Money is a trust from God. It is not ours to expend for the gratification of pride or ambition. In the hands of God’s children it is food for the hungry and clothing for the naked. It is a defense to the oppressed, a means of health to the sick, a means of preaching the gospel to the poor. Happiness could be brought to many hearts if only the money that is now spent for show were used wisely. Consider the life of Christ. Study His character and be partakers with Him in His self-denial.MHH 161.3

In the professed Christian world enough is spent for jewelry and needlessly expensive dress to feed all the hungry and to clothe the naked. Fashion and display absorb the means that might comfort the poor and suffering. They rob the world of the gospel of the Savior’s love. Missions languish. Multitudes perish for want of Christian teaching. Beside our own doors and in foreign lands many are untaught and unsaved.MHH 161.4

Inasmuch as God has overspread the earth with His bounties, filled its storehouses with the comforts of life, and freely given us a saving knowledge of His truth, what excuse can we offer for not meeting the needs of the widow and fatherless, the sick and suffering, the untaught and unsaved? In the day of God, when brought face to face with Him who gave His life for these needy ones, what excuse will we offer for spending time and money on indulgences that God has forbidden? Will not Christ say to us, “‘I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ... naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me’”? Matthew 25:42, 43.MHH 161.5

But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs “is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with double garments.” Proverbs 31:21, KJV margin.MHH 162.1

Our clothing should be clean. Uncleanliness in dress is unhealthful, and thus defiling to both body and soul. “You are the temple of God. ... If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.” 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17.MHH 162.2

In all respects our apparel should be healthful. “Above all things,” God desires us to “be in health”—health of body and of soul. And we are to be workers together with Him for the health of both soul and body. Both are promoted by healthful dress.MHH 162.3

Our apparel should have the grace, the beauty, the appropriateness of natural simplicity. Christ has warned us against the pride of life, but not against its grace and natural beauty. He pointed to the flowers of the field, to the lily unfolding in its purity, and said, “‘Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.’” Matthew 6:29. Thus by the things of nature Christ illustrated the beauty that Heaven values—the modest grace, simplicity, purity, and appropriateness that would make our attire pleasing to Him.MHH 162.4

The most beautiful clothing He urges us to wear on the soul. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness to that “gentle and quiet spirit” which in His sight is “very precious.” 1 Peter 3:4.MHH 162.5

To those who make the Savior’s principles their guide, how precious are His words of promise: “‘Why do you worry about clothing? ... If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you? ... Therefore do not worry, saying, ... “What shall we wear?” ... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’” Matthew 6:28-33.MHH 162.6

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3.MHH 162.7