When it comes to any moral issue, the Bible must be our ultimate source of truth. As Christians, we cannot rely on the world around us. God’s Word must be our standard. The world’s view of modesty stands in stark contrast to what Scripture teaches, and even among the brotherhood, opinions and beliefs can vary widely.
So, what does the Bible say about modesty? The very first garments mentioned in scripture were made by Adam and Eve. After they sinned, the Bible says, “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings” (Genesis 3:7, NKJV). However, what they created was not sufficient in God’s eyes. “Also, for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21, NKJV). While this account is found in the Old Testament—before the Law was given—and we now live under the New Testament, there are still important lessons we can draw from this moment.
First, the fig leaves Adam and Eve used were not enough to properly cover their nakedness. These coverings were likely minimal—comparable to modern-day bikinis or speedos. In contrast, God made them tunics, a type of garment that provided fuller coverage, which shows that what God provided was both sufficient and pleasing in His eyes. His design was for covering, not revealing.
We also see that Adam and Eve felt ashamed of the garments they made for themselves, recognizing their own nakedness. “Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself’” (Genesis 3:9–10, NKJV). Their shame revealed that their attempt to dress themselves had fallen short. So therefore, being poorly clothed is described as nakedness.
In a lesson I once heard from a brother in Christ, he spoke about the issue of immodesty and the effect that revealing clothing can have on men. He shared research that revealed something striking. A specific part of the brain is activated in men when they are using tools—essentially, when they’re focused on objects to be used for completing a specific task. The same part of the brain, according to the research, becomes active when a man views a woman dressed immodestly. The implication is serious. The man may begin to perceive her not as a person to be adored, but as an object—something to be used rather than someone to be respected.
By: Jerrod Hammond