Adornment, Fashion, and Plainness
Page 1 of 2Compiled from Writings by Ellen G. White, emphasis supplied
Adornment
Beauty and
Gracefulness is Not Wrong
“It is right to love beauty and to
desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that
which is imperishable.” AA 523
“It [our dress] 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 illustrates the beauty that heaven values, the modest grace, the simplicity, the purity, the appropriateness, that would make our attire pleasing to Him.” MH 289
Appearance an Index
to the Mind
“The outside appearance is an index
to the heart. True refinement does not find satisfaction in the adorning of the
body for display. A modest, godly woman will dress modestly. Simplicity of
apparel always makes a sensible woman appear to the best advantage. A refined,
cultured mind will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate attire.
In the sanctified heart there is no place for thoughts of needless adornment.” CTBH 93
“Dress is an index of the mind and
heart. That which is hung upon the outside is the sign of what is within. It
does not require intellect or a cultivated mind to overdress. The very fact
that women can hang upon their persons such an amount of needless articles of
clothing shows that they cannot have time to cultivate their intellects and
store their minds with useful knowledge.” 1MCP 289
“The outside appearance is frequently an index to the mind, and we should be careful what signs we hang out for the world to judge of our faith.” MYP 346, 347
“‘By their fruits ye shall know
them.’ Matthew 7:20. The inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit is
priceless. In the life of the true Christian the outward adorning is always in
harmony with the inward peace and holiness. ‘If any man will come after Me,’
Christ said, ‘let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’
Matthew 16:24. Self-denial and sacrifice will mark the Christian's life.
Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the dress of all who walk
in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.” AA 523
“And they will have no need to be
adorned with artificials, for these are always expressive of an absence of the
inward adorning of true moral worth.” ST,
“I saw that the outside appearance is an index to the heart. When the exterior is hung with ribbons, collars, and needless things, it plainly shows that the love for all this is in the heart; unless such persons are cleansed from their corruption, they can never see God, for only the pure in heart will see Him.” 1T 136
“The apostle exhorted the women in the faith to be chaste in conversation and modest in dress and deportment. ‘Whose adorning,’ he counseled, ‘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, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.’
“The lesson applies to believers in every age.” AA 523
“Isa. iii, was presented before me.
I was shown that this prophecy has its application to these last days; and the
reproofs are given to the daughters of
What Does God Forbid?
“The Bible teaches modesty in dress. ‘In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.’ 1 Timothy 2:9. This forbids display in dress, gaudy colors, profuse ornamentation. Any device designed to attract attention to the wearer or to excite admiration, is excluded from the modest apparel which God's word enjoins.” MH 287
“If our hearts are united with
Christ's heart, we shall have a most intense desire to be clothed with His
righteousness. Nothing will be put upon the person to attract attention or to create controversy.” TM 130, 131
“All should be taught to be neat,
clean, and orderly in their dress, but not to indulge in that external adorning
which is wholly inappropriate for the sanctuary. There should be no display of
the apparel; for this encourages irreverence. The attention of the people is
often called to this or that fine article of dress, and thus thoughts are
intruded that should have no place in the hearts of the worshipers. God is to
be the subject of thought, the object of worship; and anything that attracts
the mind from the solemn, sacred service is an offense to Him. The parading of bows and ribbons, ruffles
and feathers, and gold and silver ornaments is a species of idolatry and is
wholly inappropriate for the sacred service of God, where the eye of every
worshiper should be single to His glory.” 5T 499
“In the professed Christian world
there is enough expended in extravagant display, for jewels and ornaments, to
supply the wants of all the hungry and clothe the naked in our towns and cities….
What will these church members say when confronted in the day of God by the
worthy poor, the afflicted, the widows and fatherless, who have known pinching
want for the meager necessities of life, while there was expended by these
professed followers of Christ, for superfluous
clothing, and needless ornaments expressly forbidden in the Word of God,
enough to supply all their wants?” ML
241
“The apostle Paul exhorts Christians not to be conformed to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind, ‘that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ But many who profess to be children of God feel no scruples against conforming to the customs of the world in the wearing of gold and pearls and costly array. Those who are too conscientious to wear these things are regarded as narrow-minded, superstitious, and even fanatical. But it is God who condescends to give us these instructions; they are the declarations of Infinite Wisdom, and those who disregard them do so at their own peril and loss. Those who cling to the ornaments forbidden in God's word cherish pride and vanity in the heart. They desire to attract attention. Their dress says: Look at me; admire me. Thus the vanity inherent in human nature is steadily increasing by indulgence. When the mind is fixed upon pleasing God alone, all the needless embellishments of the person disappear.
“The apostle places the outward
adorning in direct contrast with a meek and quiet spirit and then testifies of
the comparative value of the latter: ‘In the sight of God of great price.’
There is a decided contradiction between the love of outward adorning and the
grace of meekness, the quiet spirit. It is only when we seek in all things to
conform to the will of God that peace and joy will reign in the soul.” 4T 644,
645
Display in Appearance
is Worldliness
“We see the world absorbed in their
own amusements. The first and highest thoughts of the larger portion,
especially of women, are of display. Love of dress and pleasure is wrecking the
happiness of thousands. And some of those who profess to love and keep the
commandments of God ape this class as near as they possibly can and retain the
Christian name. Some of the young are so eager for display that they are even
willing to give up the Christian name if they can only follow out their
inclination for vanity of dress and love of pleasure. Self-denial in dress is a
part of our Christian duty. To dress plainly, abstaining from display of
jewelry and ornaments of every kind, is in keeping with our faith. Are we of
the number who see the folly of worldlings in indulging in extravagance of
dress as well as in love of amusements? If so, we should be of that class who
shun everything that gives sanction to this spirit which takes possession of
the minds and hearts of those who live for this world only and who have no
thought or care for the next.” 3T 366
“The love of dress endangers the morals and makes woman the opposite of the Christian lady characterized by modesty and sobriety. Showy, extravagant dress too often encourages lust in the heart of the wearer and awakens base passions in the heart of the beholder. God sees that the ruin of the character is frequently preceded by the indulgence of pride and vanity in dress. He sees that the costly apparel stifles the desire to do good.” 4T 645
“‘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.’ The mass of professed Christians
utterly disregard the teachings of the apostles, and wear gold, pearls, and
costly array.” 1T 460
Wearing Gold, Silver,
or Jewelry
“To dress plainly, abstaining from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind, is in keeping with our faith.” 3T 366
“Professed Christians adorn
themselves with jewelry, laces, costly apparel, while the Lord's poor suffer for
the necessaries of life. Men and women who claim redemption through a Saviour's
blood will squander the means intrusted to them for the saving of other souls,
and then grudgingly dole out their offerings for religion, giving liberally
only when it will bring honor to themselves. These are idolaters.” 2BC 1012
“Many a woman decks herself with
rings and bracelets, thinking to gain admiration, but she refuses to accept the
pearl of great price, which would secure for her sanctification, honor, and
eternal riches. What an infatuation is upon the minds of many! They are more
charmed with earthly baubles, which glitter and shine, than with the crown of
immortal life, God's reward for loyalty. ‘Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a
bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number’ (Jer.
“God calls upon the young to deny
themselves of needless ornaments and articles of dress, even if they cost but a
few dimes, and place the amount in the charity box. He also calls upon those of
mature age to stop when they are examining a gold watch or chain, or some
expensive article of furniture, and ask themselves the question: Would it be
right to expend so large an amount for that which we could do without or when a
cheaper article would serve our purpose just as well?” 4T 511
“Have not our sisters sufficient
zeal and moral courage to place themselves without excuse upon the Bible
platform? The apostle has given most explicit directions on this point: I will
therefore . . . 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.’
Here the Lord, through His apostle, speaks expressly against the wearing of
gold. Let those who have had experience see to it that they do not lead others
astray on this point by their example. That ring encircling your finger may be
very plain, but it is useless, and the wearing of it has a wrong influence upon
others.” 4T 630
“Christian youth, I have seen in
some of you a love for dress and display which has pained me. In some who have
been well instructed, who have had religious privileges from their babyhood,
and who have put on Christ by baptism, thus professing to be dead to the world,
I have seen a vanity in dress and a levity in conduct that have grieved the
dear Saviour and have been a reproach to the cause of God. I have marked with
pain your religious declension and your disposition to trim and ornament your
apparel. Some have been so unfortunate as to come into possession of gold
chains or pins, or both, and have shown bad taste in exhibiting them, making
them conspicuous to attract attention. I can but associate these characters
with the vain peacock, that displays his gorgeous feathers for admiration. It
is all this poor bird has to attract attention, for his voice and form are
anything but attractive.” 3T 366, 367
“A fantastic dress, a display of gold chains and gaudy laces, is a certain indication of a weak head and a proud heart.” 3SM 244
“Then there is some lottery
business connected with it, and one young man that goes there, obtains a gold
watch. What then? The watch may be genuine gold, it may be no fraud, but ah, there
is a fraud back of that, and that is the snare. If he has gained this once, he
will want to try it again. Oh, I would rather, if it had been a son of mine,
have him lying in his coffin than sporting that gold watch. Then, here are
other boys. He shows his watch to them, and then there is an itching with them
to try their luck in just the same way, and so they will attempt this matter
themselves. Then another will attempt it, and another; and so the influence
extends from one to another; and the devil knows just how to play his game.” CS 241
“Those who have bracelets, and wear
gold and ornaments, had better take these idols from their persons and sell
them, even if it should be for much less than they gave for them, and thus
practice self-denial. Time is too short to adorn the body with gold or silver
or costly apparel.” 3SM 248
“My mind was peaceful and happy till I noticed the gold rings glittering upon this sister's fingers, and the large, showy earrings in her ears. I then observed that her bonnet was adorned with artificial flowers, and trimmed with costly ribbons arranged in bows and puffs. My joy was dampened by this display of vanity in one who professed to be a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus….
“This circumstance caused me no little
perplexity and trial as I remembered the apostle's words: ‘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.’ The teaching of
this scripture seemed to be openly disregarded by those whom I looked upon as
devoted Christians, and who were much older in experience than myself. If it
was indeed as sinful as I supposed, to imitate the extravagant dress of
worldlings, surely these Christians would understand it and would conform to
the Bible standard. Yet for myself I determined to follow my convictions of
duty. I could but feel that it was contrary to the spirit of the gospel to
devote God-given time and means to the decoration of our persons—that humility
and self-denial would be more befitting those whose sins had cost the infinite
sacrifice of the Son of God.” 1T 20, 21
“While at Bro. Harris' I had an
interview with a sister who professed to be looking for Christ's coming, who
wore gold. We spoke of the express declaration of scripture against it. But she
referred to where Solomon was commanded to beautify the temple, and that the
streets of the city of
"Before accepting the truth, she
had followed the fashions of the world in her dress, and had worn
costly jewelry and other ornaments; but upon deciding to obey the word
of God, she felt that its teachings required her to lay aside all
extravagant and superfluous adorning. She
was taught that Seventh-day Adventists did not wear jewelry, gold,
silver, or precious stones, and that they did not conform to worldly
fashions in their dress. When she saw among those who profess
the faith such a wide departure from Bible simplicity, she felt
bewildered. Had they not the same Bible which she had been studying,
and to which she had endeavored to conform her life? Had her past
experience been mere fanaticism? Had she misinterpreted the words of
the apostle, 'The friendship of the world is enmity with God, for
whosoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of
God'?
"Mrs. D., a lady occupying a
position in the institution, was visiting at Sr.-----'s room one day,
when the latter took out of her trunk a gold necklace and chain, and
said she wished to dispose of this jewelry and put the proceeds into
the Lord's treasury. Said the other, 'Why do you sell it? I would wear
it if it was mine.' 'Why,' ... replied Sr.-----, 'when I received the
truth, I was taught that all these things must be laid aside. Surely
they are contrary to the teachings of God's word.' And she cited her
hearer to the words of the apostles, Paul and Peter, upon this point,
'In like manner, also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel,
with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or
pearls, or costly array; but, as becometh women professing godliness,
with good works.' '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, in that which is
not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit.'
"In answer, the lady displayed a
gold ring on her finger, given her by an unbeliever, and said she
thought it no harm to wear such ornaments. 'We are not so particular,'
said she, 'as formerly. Our people have been overscrupulous in their
opinions upon the subject of dress. The ladies of this institution wear
gold watches and gold chains, and dress like other people. It is not good policy to be singular in our dress; for we cannot exert so much influence.'
"We inquire, Is this in
accordance with the teachings of Christ? Are we to follow the word of
God, or the customs of the world? Our sister decided that it was safest
to adhere to the Bible standard. Will Mrs. D. and others who pursue a
similar course be pleased to meet the result of their influence, in
that day when every man shall receive according to his works?
God's word is plain. Its
teachings cannot be mistaken. Shall we obey it, just as he has given it
to us, or shall we seek to find how far we can digress and yet be
saved? Would that all connected with our institutions would receive and
follow the divine light, and thus be enabled to transmit light to those
who walk in darkness.
"Conformity to the world is a sin
which is sapping the spirituality of our people, and seriously
interfering with their usefulness. It is idle to proclaim the warning
message to the world, while we deny it in the transactions of daily
life.” Review and Herald,
“That ring encircling your finger may be very plain, but it is useless, and the wearing of it has a wrong influence upon others.” 4T 630
Editor's Note: In countries where the custom is imperative, a very simple, plain band could be worn. However, we must acknowledge that this should not be done where the practice is simply customary. If going without the ring is leading to much misunderstanding and questioning, perhaps it would be better to wear one. If going without the ring does not lead to problems, we should not wear one even if all the other members of our church do. The following example helps to elucidate this. The following is a historical account of the marriage of William White, Ellen’s son, to May Lacey, and their experience regarding the wedding ring. Their example is a good one. The account was not written by Mrs. White.
“As they were in a British country, they were married with the wedding ring.
“This was a point of some concern to the
bride before the wedding. She was aware of Ellen White's counsel addressed to
American ministers laboring in
“‘I feel deeply over this leavening process which seems to be going on among us, in the conformity to custom and fashion. Not one penny should be spent for a circlet of gold to testify that we are married. In countries where the custom is imperative, we have no burden to condemn those who have their marriage ring; let them wear it if they can do so conscientiously, but let not our missionaries feel that the wearing of the ring will increase their influence one jot or tittle.’ –Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, No. 3, p. 6 (TM, pp. 180, 181).
“In May Lacey's heart there was no
problem relative to this counsel. She had no desire to wear the ring, and so
she hesitated about having the wedding in Tasmania, where she knew her father
would be greatly disturbed if she did not wear the ring, especially over the
fact that she would be traveling on ships and trains with an American almost twice
her age. Before consenting to have the marriage at her home, she talked it over
with Ellen White, and then on
“‘I have talked with your mother on the matter of a wedding ring and showed her what you said on the subject. She says she has no objection whatever to my wearing one.
“‘To tell you the truth, I had not given that matter very much thought, but I believed that it would be better to have one, as without doubt, in the colonies, if I was to travel with you not wearing the sign that I was your wife, people would be led to imagine all sorts of things, and we should in many instances lose our influence for good that we might otherwise have over the minds of others. I am very glad you look at the matter in the way you do.
“‘I have wondered sometimes what you thought about it. I feel sure that, as you say, God will not be displeased with me for wearing it.’ [Years later, W.C. White, on Ellen White’s request, responded to an inquiry from a minister’s wife in Edinburgh, Scotland, on the point:
“‘Now regarding the question raised in your letter. The wearing of a gold ring as a matter of ornament is a useless practice, and contrary to the Bible instruction regarding the simplicity of dress and apparel. The wearing of a ring as a token of loyalty in those countries and among those people where such a custom is so thoroughly established that departure from that custom will be universally misunderstood is, in my opinion, quite another matter, and I think that if you should follow the counsel of men and women of experience who have labored in Great Britain and in India, the Lord will not count it to you as a violation regarding the simplicity of women’s apparel.
“‘Possibly you may be interested in
the story of my wife’s experience with the wedding ring. While she was
attending Bible school in
“‘She did not care for it personally, but I purchased a ring, and we were married with it because her father’s family and all her friends regarded it as essential. After we had been married a few months, and had settled down in our home where we were well known, she laid aside the ring, and when I asked her why she took it off, she said it was in the way when she was washing. I don’t know what became of the ring, but she has not worn it since. I think that in this experience it was her desire to follow the instruction of Paul when he wrote, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
“‘By the wearing of the ring during that portion of our
experience where its absence would have been wondered at, and caused
unnecessary prejudice, and by laying it aside as soon as that experience was
terminated, she has felt that she was doing that which would best serve the
cause of our Master.’ –DF 121, WCW TO MRS. W. E. INGLE,
“Dear youth, a disposition in you
to dress according to the fashion, and to wear lace and gold and artificials
for display, will not recommend to others your religion or the truth that you
profess. People of discernment will look upon your attempts to beautify the
external as proof of weak minds and proud hearts. Simple, plain, unpretending
dress will be a recommendation to my youthful sisters. In no better way can you
let your light shine to others than in your simplicity of dress and deportment.
You may show to all that, in comparison with eternal things, you place a proper
estimate upon the things of this life.” 3T 376
“While many of the young adopted
this dress [the reform dress], some endeavored to shun the cross by indulging
in extra trimmings, thus making it a curse rather than a blessing.” 4T 636
“We should dress neatly and
tastefully, but, my sisters, when you are buying and making your own and your
children's clothing, think of the work in the Lord's vineyard that is still
waiting to be done. It is right to buy good material, and have it carefully
made. This is economy. But rich trimmings are not needed, and to indulge in
them is to spend for self-gratification money that should be put into God's
cause….
“Do without the unnecessary
trimmings, and lay aside for the advancement of the cause of God the means thus
saved.” CS 301, 302
“We do not discourage taste and neatness in dress. Correct taste in dress is not to be despised or condemned. While needless ruffles, trimmings, and ornaments should be left off, we encourage our sisters to obtain good, durable material. Nothing is gained in trying to save means by purchasing cheap fabrics. Let the clothing be plain and neat, without extravagance of display.” 3SM 245
“The question is often asked by those who fall under the influence of my enemies: ‘Is Sister White getting proud? I have heard that she wore a bonnet filled with bows and ribbons.’
“I hope I am not getting proud. My manner of dress is the same as it has been for several years. I am opposed to hoops and to wearing unnecessary bows and ribbons. I have worn one velvet bonnet two years without change of strings except to cleanse them with soap and water. I put the same velvet upon a new frame and am wearing it again this winter. I believe Sabbathkeepers should dress plainly and study economy in dress. Those who wish to talk will talk though we give them no occasion.” 1T 251, 252
Display in Children’s
Dress
“Those children are most attractive who are natural and unaffected. It is not wise to give children special notice and repeat their clever sayings before them. Vanity should not be encouraged by praising their looks, their words, or their actions. Nor should they be dressed in an expensive or showy manner. This encourages pride in them and awakens envy in the hearts of their companions. Teach the children that the true adorning is not outward. ‘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, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.’ I Peter 3:3, 4.” CT 141, 142
“If Christian parents lived in
obedience to the requirements of the divine Teacher, they would preserve
simplicity in eating and in dressing, and would live more in accordance with
natural law. They would not then devote so much time to artificial life, in
making for themselves cares and burdens that Christ has not laid upon them, but
that He has positively bid them shun. If the
“Mothers spend unnecessary labor upon garments with which to beautify the persons of themselves and their children. It is our duty to dress ourselves plainly and to clothe our children neatly, without useless ornamentation, embroidery, or display, taking care not to foster in them a love of dress that will prove their ruin, but seeking rather to cultivate the Christian graces.” 4T 72, 73
“Mothers can not be slaves to
fashion and at the same time exert a sanctifying influence in the home. Too
often professedly Christian mothers sacrifice principle to their desire to
follow the multitude who make fashion their god. Conscience protests, but they
are not brave enough to take a decided stand against the wrong.” RH,
“Lead the youth to see that in
dress, as in diet, plain living is indispensable to high thinking. Lead them to
see how much there is to learn and to do; how precious are the days of youth as
a preparation for the lifework. Help them to see what treasures there are in
the word of God, in the book of nature, and in the records of noble lives.” Ed 247,
248
“There is enough necessary and important labor in this world of need and suffering without wasting precious moments for ornamentation or display.” 3T 483, 484