Lesson 52

We all have preferences about how we want to dress and groom ourselves. If we follow a few simple Bible principles, we can not only express our personal taste but also please Jehovah. Let us consider some of those principles.

We should choose “appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind,” and maintain a clean appearance that reflects our “devotion to God.” (1 Timothy 2:9, 10)

Consider these four principles:(1) Our dress should be “appropriate.” As you have observed at congregation meetings, Jehovah’s people have different tastes, but our dress and hairstyles show respect for the God we worship. (2) Dressing “with modesty” means our appearance would not be sexually provocative, nor should it draw too much attention to ourselves. (3) We show “soundness of mind” when we do not adopt every fad of dress and grooming that comes along. (4) Our appearance should always reflect our “devotion to God,” indicating to others that we worship the true God.— 1 Corinthians 10:31.

While we have the freedom to choose what we wear, we should think of the effect our appearance might have on others. We try our best not to offend anyone but, rather, to “please [our] neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

Read Romans 15.1, 2: We, though, who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those not strong, and not to be pleasing ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

While we try to dress appropriately on every occasion, we pay particular attention to our dress when we attend congregation meetings and share in the ministry. We do not want to detract from the important message we are taking to people. Instead, our appearance can make the truth attractive to others and “adorn the teaching of our Savior.” — Titus 2:10.

Consider how we can make sure that our clothing and appearance are appropriate for us as Christians.

What is the most important reason for us to care about our appearance?

Read Psalm 47.2: For Jehovah the Most High is awe-inspiring; He is the great King over all the earth.

Discuss these questions:

How should the fact that we represent Jehovah affect the way we dress?

Do you think it is reasonable to be concerned about our appearance when we attend meetings and share in the ministry? Why, or why not?

Play the VIDEO.

Whether our clothes are expensive or cost little, they should be clean and appropriate for the specific situations we find ourselves in.

Read 1 Corinthians 10.24: Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.

Read 1 Timothy 2.9, 10: Likewise, the women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind, not with styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls or very expensive clothing, but in the way that is proper for women professing devotion to God, namely, through good works.

Then, discuss why we would want to avoid wearing clothing that is...

sloppy or overly casual.

tight-fitting, revealing, or otherwise sexually provocative.

Although Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, it reveals Jehovah’s thinking.

Read Deuteronomy 22.5: “A woman must not put on the clothing of a man, nor should a man wear the clothing of a woman. For anyone doing so is detestable to Jehovah your God.

Discuss this question:

Why should we avoid dress and grooming that makes men look like women or women look like men?

Read 1 Corinthians 10.32, 33: Keep from becoming causes for stumbling to Jews as well as Greeks and to the congregation of God, just as I am trying to please all people in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, so that they may be saved.

Read 1 John 2.15, 16: Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world.

Discuss these questions:

Why should we care whether our appearance offends some in the community or in the congregation?

What styles of dress and grooming are common where you live?

Do you think some of those styles might be inappropriate for a Christian? Why, or why not?

Do you agree? Why, or why not?

When we make good choices about our appearance, we show our respect for Jehovah and for others.

Why is our dress and grooming important to Jehovah?

What are some principles that should guide our decisions about our appearance?

How can our appearance affect the way others view true worship?

Lesson completed on:

Consider whether you need to make any adjustments to your clothing or grooming.

Other: Memorizing Bible scriptures is vital for blind individuals to defend the truth using the Bible, build faith, provide comfort during difficult times, and keep God’s principles firm in heart and mind.

From lesson 52, memorize 1 Corinthians 10:31: Therefore, whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.

1. See what message your clothes might be sending.

“How Do I Look?” (Web article) Open explore 1 in new page

2. Learn why it is wise to think before you ink.

“What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?” (Web article) Open explore 2 in new page

3. Consider Bible principles that can help you to have a balanced view about how you look.

Why Am I So Worried About My Appearance? (4:29) Open explore 3 in new page

4. How did one sincere woman develop a balanced view of others’ choices about personal appearance?

“Dress and Grooming Was My Stumbling Block” (Awake!, December 22, 2003) Open explore 4 in new page