917. The Offending Eye, Braided Hair, and Jewelry.
By Editor
1. What is the meaning of the scripture, "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee"? 2. Is it right, according to the Bible, for women to braid or curl the hair? 3. Is it right to wear jewelry? "If thy right eye do cause thee to offend" is the marginal reading of this text in Matt. 5:29. The meaning of the text is always to be found in what it says. The Lord's instruction to any one who would seek the meaning of a text is, "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." 2 Tim. 2:7. God's Spirit can and will show each individual what his offending members are that must be "plucked out." But the Word of God must be "considered" in order for this to be done. Neither the right eye nor the right hand should be thought too dear to give up if necessary in order to gain eternal life. 1 Peter 3:1-3, 4 and 1 Tim. 2:9, 10, give the Lord's instruction to women in regard to their apparel. These texts would certainly condemn anything that was worn merely for outward display. God's estimate is placed upon character, but Satan seeks to lead us away from pure character-building to the work of adorning ourselves for display. When you are alone with God and His Word, it is easy for you to tell which course you are pursuing, and to know what is right.