Do not let your adornment be merely external—such as arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fancy clothing
Truth to Learn
Our outward appearance reflects the attitude of our heart.
Behind the Words
The word “let” is an interesting word. In English we often give this word the meaning of “allow.” However, whenever this word appears in a Greek translation it is an indication of a command.
The word translated “adornment” is the Greek word kosmos. This is the same word that in some places is translated “world” or “world system.” In its root meaning it refers to an orderly arrangement of things. From this word we get our English word “cosmetic.”
“Arranging” is from the Greek word emplokē, which is the noun form of the verb emplekō, meaning “to interweave, to braid-in, or to entangle.” It is a reference here to special attention given to a woman’s hairdo.
Meaning Explained
Note that Peter is not condemning adornment, or ornamentation. In fact, in the following verses he talks about the preferable type of adornment for women. The apostle Paul says a similar thing:
In the same way also, that women adorn themselves in appropriate clothing, with modesty and sensibleness, not adorned with braiding, or gold, or pearls, or costly clothing, (1 Timothy 2:9)
Neither Peter nor Paul says that it is wrong to adorn. In fact, in the 1 Timothy passage just quoted, Paul says that women should adorn themselves in “sensible,” “appropriate,” or “modest” clothing (depending on which translation you are reading). This word is from the Greek word kosmios, which has the same root as kosmos. Paul says that women should be adorned in “orderly” apparel.
What both of these writers are saying is that it is wrong to focus solely on the outward adornment. The things which Peter refers to in today’s verse as well as the things that Paul refers to in the passage in 1 Timothy all have to do with expensive adornment. In the first century, only the wealthy women could afford to have their hair put up in fancy braids. The Roman women of that day were known for ridiculous extravagance in the adornment of their hair. This included dying the hair, elaborate braiding or arranging with costly pins and nets of gold thread. It even included the use of false hair additions and blond wigs. It was common for these women to also braid flowers, jewelry, and other attention grabbing items into the hair.
Why do you suppose they did this? Here’s what it says in 1 Samuel 16:7:
For man looks on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looks on the heart.
These women wanted others to be attracted to them, to their outward appearance and to their wealth. God would rather have people notice our lifestyle, a reflection of what is in our heart.
Application
We Christians should all be careful to present a neat and orderly appearance since we are representatives of (and children of) the Great King and Lord of the universe. But we should represent Him, not ourselves. People who see us should not be wowed by our clothing or jewelry. Instead, they should notice our attitude and behavior, the outward manifestations of our faith in God.
Let us all remember this when we get dressed tomorrow.
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved
