Frequently Asked Bible Questions

Does the Bible teach it is wrong for women to wear makeup?

How do biblical standards of modesty and personal grooming apply to modern practices like the use of makeup?

The modest use of makeup by women is culturally acceptable in the Western world at this time, and does not conflict with the teaching of the Bible.

This subject comes under the general topic of personal grooming. Perhaps the clearest statements in the Bible on a Christian woman's personal grooming are in 1 Peter 3:3-4 and 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Both references counsel women to concentrate upon the "grooming" of their inner character in a way that is pleasing to God, in contrast to placing undue emphasis on their outward appearance.

Personal grooming can and often does reflect one's attitude, as we see amply demonstrated in everyday life. It's easy to spot people—men and women alike—who want to "make a statement" of rebellion through grooming that is against the accepted norm. Grooming that makes a woman stand out as odd or different from culturally accepted norms of good taste detracts from a godly emphasis on her inner character. Such indiscretion—in stark contrast to the above scriptural guidelines—characterized the rebellious "daughters of Zion" mentioned in Isaiah 3:16.

Related Online Resources

What Your Appearance Says About You
Some people don't think clothes matter or that it makes any difference how they wear their hair. The Bible says differently.

Heart to Heart Talk With Women and Teen Girls
"Modesty" has several meanings that relate to and overlap each other. It can mean humility, moderation or not calling attention to oneself. And when referring to appearance, clothing and actions, modesty also means not being sexually suggestive, erotic or too revealing.

What does the Bible say about getting tattoos?
Is there a relation between the ritual tattoos of ancient times and the "body art" of today? What biblical principles apply to deciding whether to get a tattoo or not?

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