3:31 Peter 3:3

The verse forbids making plaited or elaborately arranged hair, wearing of gold, and putting on of showy apparel the adorning or chief measure of beauty.RH Jun 25, 1861+2 True adorning is the hidden person of the heart in the incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which does not decay and is of great price in the sight of God.RH Jun 25, 1861+2 That inward beauty is likeness to Christ and is more valuable than gold, pearls, precious stones, and costly clothing.Lt 34, 1894, par. 34–39+2 It requires modesty, simplicity, plainness, neatness, and purity in apparel without gaudy or extravagant display, while neat, clean, plain clothing of good durable material is allowed and required.ST Mar 31, 1887+4 Cherished inward grace always shows itself outwardly in modest dress, dignified conduct, and care for others, and money and time wasted on display belong to God for mercy and mission.ST Nov 28, 1878+4

The verse forbids making outward styling of plaited, braided, or elaborately arranged hair, wearing of gold, and putting on of apparel the adorning, and forbids making them the chief focus or measure of beauty.RH Jun 25, 1861+4 Outward adornment of this kind is corruptible and perishes, while true and lasting beauty is inward character, the hidden person of the heart in a meek and quiet spirit that does not decay and is incorruptible, precious and of great price in the sight of God.3T 376.2–4+4 Simplicity in dress expresses a proper estimate of temporary things in light of eternal ones, while attention to outward display at the expense of inner character reflects misplaced priorities.3T 376.2–4+1 This inward adornment is the lasting beauty to cultivate and model, teaching purity and holiness as the aim of life after the pattern of the holy women of old who trusted in God and showed character through submission.RH Jun 25, 1861+2

The wearing of gold includes jewelry and costly ornaments such as bracelets and rings, gold chains and pins, pearls, and every kind of display of jewelry and ornaments to gain influence in the world or attract admiration.9MR 118.1+4 To dress plainly and abstain from such display is self-denial in keeping with faith and with obedience to Christ, to be presented as kindly counsel turning attention from outward adornment to inward character, with love for truth shown by putting away outward ornaments.9MR 118.1+3 Coming into possession of a gold chain or pin and exhibiting it conspicuously to attract attention shows bad taste, like a vain peacock displaying gorgeous feathers for admiration when it has nothing else to attract, and vanity and love of display draw toward worldly values, wreck happiness, grieve the Saviour, and can cost even the name of Christian.3T 366.1+1 Improving appearance with gold to gain influence does not make it right for one professing to wait for Christ's coming, whose pattern is the meek, crucified One rather than pleasing self and enjoying the world.4T 644.2–645.2+1

The putting on of apparel includes costly, showy, extravagant, and luxurious dress and needless decoration such as rich trimmings, ruffles and ruffling, tucks, embroidery, bows and ribbons, needless trimming, ornamentation and stitching worn for display and for beautifying the outward appearance.ST Nov 28, 1878+4 Delight in such dress and fantastic things is empty and without substance or aim and must not be the object of life, and devoting precious time to trimming and ruffling to that end neglects inward adorning and the forming of pure and holy character.STSE 53.2–54.1+2 Useless ornaments and trimmings of this kind should be laid aside and dispensed with, and may be sold with the money used to advance the cause of truth and support the cause of Christ, while dress is made good in quality, plain, simple, and durable rather than intended for display.ST Nov 28, 1878+2 Young women in particular are to dispense with ornaments and needless trimming, earnestly cultivate inward adornment, and use some of their earnings in that service.ST Nov 28, 1878+1

The verse does not condemn neatness, cleanliness, good taste, or good durable material carefully made; plain, simple, neat clothing is economy and is allowed and required.Lt 251, 1904, par. 10–14+4 It is right to buy good material and have it carefully made as economy rather than cheap fabrics, but rich trimmings and needless trimmings, ornaments, extravagance and show are not needed, and spending on them is self-gratification with money that belongs to God's cause.Lt 251, 1904, par. 10–14+2 Dress should be plain and simple, without unnecessary ornament, and kept clean, neat, and refined, since neat clothing helps keep thoughts pure and sweet and untidy apparel gives a wrong impression of character and reverence.STBk 131.4+2 Happiness and true worth do not depend on outward adornment or needless display, and simplicity of dress with unaffected modesty shows that higher and nobler attainments matter more than following fashions.STBk 131.4+1

True adorning is not arranged hair, gold, or clothing, but the hidden person of the heart in the imperishable character of a meek and quiet spirit.RH Jun 25, 1861+4 Outward display is corruptible and perishes, while this inward ornament does not decay and is of great price in the sight of God.RH Jun 25, 1861+4 Lasting beauty is therefore inward rather than outward, and simplicity in dress expresses a right estimate of temporary things in light of eternal ones, whereas attention to outward display at the expense of inner character shows misplaced priorities.3T 376.2–4+2 This is the adornment of the holy women of old who trusted in God, shown in submission and in chaste conduct, which Christian mothers are to cultivate, model, and teach to children as purity and holiness made the aim of life.RH Jun 25, 1861+2

That inward ornament is more valuable than outward beauty, riches, and worldly honor, and more precious than gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, rubies, and costly clothing.Lt 34, 1894, par. 34–39+4 Meekness beautifies more than gold, pearls, or costly array, because outward adornment beautifies only the mortal body while meekness adorns the soul and connects finite people with God.4T 643.5+2 This adorning makes a person more precious in the sight of Heaven than fine gold, yea, than the golden wedge of Ophir, and delight in dress, bows and ribbons and fantastic things is empty and without substance or aim beside it.Lt 34, 1894, par. 34–39+2 It benefits others in this life and endures into the immortal future, so time spent on outward appearance should prompt care for the neglected soul and pursuit of wisdom.4T 643.5+2

Inward beauty is harmony with Christ, likeness of the soul to Him, and His grace and meekness decorating the heart.Ms 33, 1889, par. 13–14+2 Like the simple quiet beauty of the lily and the flowers, it is not beauty of face, dress, or wealth but beauty of character that lifts a person in moral value with God.Ms 33, 1889, par. 13–14+2 God, who is a lover of the beautiful and has adorned the earthly home for His children to appreciate and delight in, loves beauty of character above all outward attractiveness and calls His children to cultivate purity and simplicity, the quiet graces of the flowers.Ms 33, 1889, par. 13–14+2 That priceless adornment elevates and ennobles its possessor, draws others toward God and the Source of light and blessing, and gives the peace of God bringing contentment which riches, power, glory, and fame cannot give, and parents are to teach this to their children.Ms 33, 1889, par. 13–14+2

Inward grace cherished in the heart always expresses itself outwardly, so outward appearance should reflect and harmonize with inward peace and holiness.RH Aug 1, 1912+2 Where humility and a meek and quiet spirit are cherished, the whole person shows it in dignified, decorous deportment and in appropriate, modest dress without unnecessary trimmings, and outward appearance can thus reveal the mind and signal faith.RH Aug 1, 1912+4 Dress does not make a person of value in the Lord's sight; what He values is the inward adorning, the graces of the Holy Spirit expressed in chaste speech, a kind word, and thoughtful consideration for others.Ms 56, 1900, par. 20–21+2 Such chaste conversation and modest dress are the sign and testimony of inward adorning, proving purification from vanity and selfishness and the genuineness of conversion, marking Christ's followers by self-denial and sacrifice and a changed taste, and giving enlarged influence and usefulness as a saving public witness to divine truth to all who behold.RH Aug 1, 1912+4

The counsel belongs to wives living in subjection to their own husbands with chaste conduct joined with reverence, so that husbands who do not obey the word may be won without words by seeing that conduct.TDR 13.1–3+2 Their beauty is to be placed not in outward styling of hair and gold and clothing but in the inner life of the heart that does not decay, in meekness and quietness of spirit that is of great value before God and becomes women professing godliness.TDR 13.1–3+2 This heavenly adorning is to be secured and maintained in all duties and walks of life, giving influence for good on earth and prized in heaven, going with neatness, cleanliness, taste, order, sobriety, meekness, propriety, modesty, and devotion to family and to God.TDR 13.1–3 Without it reform dress should be laid off rather than disgraced, and with it the wearer commends the dress and the dress commends the wearer.TDR 13.1–3

The holy women of old who trusted in God are the example of this inward adorning and obedient life, showing their character through submission to their husbands.RH Jun 25, 1861+2 Their manner was the imperishable inner character of a meek and quiet spirit, precious in God's sight, after which dress must be in strict accordance with holy faith.RH Jun 25, 1861+2 More Bible precept is to be put into the dress and more inward adorning into the character, in conversation, deportment, color, material, and style, with modest apparel with shamefacedness and sobriety adapted to age and to the truth professed.Lt 7, 1894, par. 11–17 It is to be made of good durable material in modest colors, made plainly without adornment, severely plain yet tidy and tasteful, carrying modesty and the marks of the Lord Jesus and giving no example of pride, selfish indulgence, selfish expenditure, or patterning after the worldly changing fashions of this corrupt age, especially by missionaries and those who take prominent positions to instruct others.Lt 7, 1894, par. 11–17 The warning against outward display is applied to gold, pearls, and costly dress that draw attention and foster pride and vanity, directing attention instead to pleasing God and to the meek and quiet spirit described in the following verses, for true adornment is the character of those who trust and obey God, not display for admiration.4T 644.2–645.2

Outward display does not reveal true character, for the contrast of outward adornment with inward character is seen in that humble, coarse, often travel-stained clothes covered a heart rich in divine love and a meek and gentle spirit, while splendid glittering silver and gold garments covered a corrupt and cruel heart.3SP 343.1+1 True adorning is not splendid clothing or ornament but the inward beauty of a meek and gentle spirit.3SP 343.1+1 People should therefore look beyond appearance to the inward spirit and life.3SP 343.1

The counsel accords with the warning against giving excessive thought to clothing and with the example of humility and freedom from worldly pride.CTBH 93.2–3 Those made new creatures no longer shape life by former lusts but follow Christ, reflect His character, and purify themselves even as He is pure, bringing forth love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.SC 58.3+1 Their affections are reversed where what was once hated is loved and what was once loved is hated, so the proud and self-assertive become meek and lowly, the vain and supercilious become serious and unobtrusive, the drunken become sober and the profligate pure.SC 58.3+1 Vain customs and fashions of the world are laid aside because Christians seek not external decoration but the hidden person of the heart in what does not decay, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.SC 58.3+3 The temple's splendor and the gold of heaven do not justify decorating the body, for human beings are fallen and redemption cost suffering and death, which should lead to humility rather than self-adornment, with Jesus as the pattern requiring willingness to give up the world's attractions and please God rather than self in order to be with Him in heaven.LS 250.1

The verse requires modesty, simplicity, plainness, neatness, cleanliness, order, taste, sobriety and purity in conversation, deportment and apparel, without gaudy, fantastic, extravagant or superfluous display.ST Mar 31, 1887+4 Dress must be in strict accordance with holy faith, with more Bible precept put into the dress and more inward adorning put into the character, in color, material and style, with modest apparel with shamefacedness and sobriety adapted to age and to the truth professed.ST Mar 31, 1887+2 It is to be made of good durable material in modest colors, made plainly without adornment, severely plain yet tidy and tasteful, carrying modesty and the marks of the Lord Jesus and giving no example of pride, selfish indulgence, selfish expenditure or patterning after worldly changing fashions, especially by missionaries and those in prominent positions to instruct others.Lt 7, 1894, par. 11–17+2 Clothing is to be neat, not gaudy, modest and arranged upon the person with order and taste, joined with elevated conversation, courtesy, kindness, benevolence, sincerity, truth and faithfulness in dealing with brethren and with the world.CTBH 93.1+2 Especial care shows a sacred regard for the holy Sabbath and the worship of God, making the line of demarcation between believers and the world too plain to be mistaken, for God is a God of order and is not in any degree pleased with distraction, filthiness or sin, and when those formerly careless and slack are elevated and sanctified to observe neatness, order and good taste the influence is tenfold greater.RH Jan 30, 1900+2 Simple appropriate attire joined with modesty reflects refined taste, reveals a heart not occupied with vanity or needless adornment, and helps surround a young woman with a protective reserve.CTBH 93.1+2

Believers must not copy fashions introduced by worldlings but remain separate from the world, showing noble independence and moral courage to be right even when out of fashion.1T 188.3–189.1+4 Copying the world's standards shows a lack of Christlikeness plain to Christians and to worldlings, exerts an influence leading others to follow the same example, and reveals the absence of the inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit which is of great price in the sight of God.1T 188.3–189.1+2 The call is to set aside extravagant and superfluous jewelry and worldly fashions and follow Bible simplicity rather than the customs of the world, keeping distinction between God's people and the world.1T 188.3–189.1+3 A modest, convenient, healthful style introduced by the world may be adopted without changing relation to God or to the world, for faithfulness does not require making oneself a gazingstock by dressing different for its own sake.RH Jan 30, 1900+1 But when faithfulness to modest healthful dress leaves believers out of fashion they must not change to be like the world, but humbly pursue a straightforward course irrespective of applause or censure, clinging to the right because of its own merits.1T 188.3–189.1+2

Appearance reveals what engages the mind and affections, while true refinement is shown in appropriate simplicity.CTBH 93.1+2 Gaudy ornaments and fantastic dress reveal a proud heart, weak head, vanity and lack of Christlikeness, and conflict with following the meek and lowly Jesus and profane the house of God.CTBH 93.1+3 Superfluous tucks, ruffles, costly superfluous trimmings, display of gold chains and gaudy laces, and dresses made according to worldly styles to attract attention contradict profession of faith, even when the trimmings cost more than the material itself.MYP 346.2–3+2 Gaudy ornaments cannot supply good taste, refinement or intellect, but simplicity of dress best shows loveliness, and a modest refined woman dresses modestly and with careful taste.CTBH 93.1+2 Outward appearance can reveal the mind and signal faith, so pride and love of display must be overcome with Christ's help while meekness and simplicity are cultivated without unnecessary trimmings.CTBH 93.1+2

Plainness of dress should not be made a test, the question of dress should not occupy the mind, and believers need not make themselves gazingstocks by dressing differently for its own sake.RH Jan 30, 1900+2 Modest, simple, durable, appropriate clothes are to be worn without extra trimmings, showing the world the inward adornment of God's grace instead.RH Jan 30, 1900+2

The principle applies to worship with neat refined dress and sacred regard for the Sabbath, where neatness and cleanliness are appropriate but showy display of elaborate hair, gold ornaments or clothing distracts attention from God and is idolatry.RH Jan 30, 1900+2 Preparing garments for a camp-meeting while neglecting the heart reverses proper importance, for inward spiritual preparation should come first and considerable time spent on outward adornment while neglecting inward adornment reverses their proper priority.5T 499.2+2 Decisive change belongs to baptism, where appearance should show neatness, modesty and purity and represent Christ rather than follow worldly fashion, laying aside costly clothing and expensive ornaments.Ms 157, 1907, par. 4–5+2 Ministers and sanitarium workers are included, for a minister's clothing or dignified appearance does not make him a true representative of Christ but a beautiful harmonious character like Christ's does, with meekness and humility winning hearts while self displayed without humility leaves listeners untouched and hardens them, and in a sanitarium expensive dress and ornamental displays do not have a blessed influence compared with gospel simplicity and Christian character.Ms 157, 1907, par. 4–5+2

Money spent on selfish amusement, expensive dress and outward display is not human property but God's money lent in trust to elevate humanity, feed the hungry, clothe the naked and teach children, and its waste for self-gratification and pride must give place to economy, self-denial and support of mercy and the cause of God.ST Nov 28, 1878+4 The verse forbids making adornment consist in outward display of braided or elaborate hair, gold and clothing, and requires instead the inward character of meekness, humility, modesty and prudence suited to every rank and condition.ST Nov 28, 1878+3 It is right and economical to buy good material and have it carefully made to be plain, simple and durable rather than intended for display, while rich trimmings and useless ornaments are not needed.ST Nov 28, 1878+3 Parents bear solemn responsibility not to bring children up by worldly ways, practices and customs with plaited hair, jewelry and costly apparel, but to train them to be courteous, polite, helpful and busy, forming character after Christ's pattern with the hidden man of the heart in the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is of great price in God's sight unto immortal life measuring with the life of God.Ms 86, 1894, par. 22–23+2

Useless ornaments and needless trimming should be laid aside, dispensed with and earnestly replaced by inward adornment, and they may be sold with the money used to advance truth and support God's work.ST Nov 28, 1878+2 Those inclined to spend much on trimming clothes must deny themselves and put the money saved into helping the needy, providing schools and sanitariums and meetinghouses, and warning the people in the South.Lt 251, 1904, par. 10–14+1 Young women should use some of their earnings to support the cause of Christ rather than centering adornment on outward ornaments or clothing.ST Dec 14, 1882 Christian self-denial in putting away ornaments and redirecting money otherwise spent on them toward missionary work means sacrificing even some comfortable and desirable things.Lt 251, 1904, par. 10–14+2

Precious probationary time in few short hours must not be squandered in needless labor, trimming, ruffling and decoration of the body to beautify outward appearance while prayer, Scripture study, searching the heart, culture of the soul and pursuit of wisdom more precious than gold and rubies are neglected.STSE 53.2–54.1+4 A sanctified heart has no place for outward adornment as a focus of pride, but gives time spent arranging hair to please the eye instead to prayer and searching the heart, storing the mind with truth and seeking Christian graces and fruits of the Spirit.SG2 262.2–263.3+2 True beauty is not plaited hair, gold, pearls, costly dress or apparel, but the hidden man of the heart, the incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit in harmony with heavenly angels, which God who created all things lovely and loves the beautiful declares of great price, valuable above outward dress, to be sought earnestly without lessening true dignity or loveliness in this world.STSE 53.2–54.1+2 Woman should constantly improve in mind and heart, gaining intellectual and moral strength to lead a useful and happy life as a blessing to the world and an honor to the Creator, laying any desired article of dress, ornament or luxury before the Lord in prayer to know if His Spirit sanctions the expenditure, preparing clothing so as not to dishonor profession of faith, and seeking His blessing on time employed, since joining the church is one thing and being united to Christ is another.4T 643.5+2

Following the Bible rule to dress simply and tastefully without costly ornaments or expensive clothing leaves more money and time to help poorer women, with practical advice and skill helping them dress well without extravagance.MH 207.2–3+1 Costly dress by wealthier sisters becomes a stumblingblock and snare of slavery to fashion, for poorer sisters are embarrassed and humiliated by contrast beside shabby ill-fitting clothes, copy styles with frills and trimmings on cheap goods, spend wages that should go into God's treasury, and give time to planning how to look as well as others instead of improving the mind, studying God's word, secret prayer and the prayer meeting.MH 207.2–3+2 Some stay away from Sabbath worship because their dress looks unlike that of other Christians, doubting religion and resisting the gospel, while others may be tempted to steal or sell virtue to imitate costly fashion modeled by professed Christian women, sacrificing honor, health and happiness for artificial adornment.MH 207.2–3+2 Spending on gaudy display of costly jewels and clothing while the poor are hungry and naked shows turning from God to self, violating justice, sacrificing physical, mental and moral health and laying happiness and God's favor on fashion's altar, for which the extravagant will be guilty before God in judgment and condemned by the poor, with escape only by heeding the warning, weighing influence, recovering wasted opportunities and bringing powers into healthful vigorous action.CH 643.1–2+2

Children are most attractive when natural and unaffected, and true adorning for them is not outward display of plaited hair, gold, jewelry, or costly apparel but inward beauty of character.STE 73.2+4 They are not to be dressed in an expensive or showy manner, for that encourages pride in them and awakens envy in the hearts of their companions.STE 73.2+2 They are not to be given special notice by repeating their clever sayings before them or by praising their looks, words, or actions, for that encourages vanity and selfishness.STE 73.2+1 Devoting time and money to outward adornment as an object of undue attention and expense cultivates vanity, selfishness, and extravagance in them, while the inward ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, like the beauty of the lily decorating the heart, lifts moral value with God and gives peace and contentment that riches, power, glory, and fame cannot give.Ms 86, 1894, par. 22–23+2

Parents, and especially mothers, are accountable to live this standard themselves in order to train and educate children properly with solid acquirements for what God intends.Lt 10, 1888, par. 14–18+2 From babyhood and from the cradle they have the solemn, sacred responsibility to educate, train, and discipline children to practice self-denial and self-control, to be courteous, polite, obedient, helpful, and busy, and to form character after the pattern of Jesus Christ.Ms 86, 1894, par. 22–23+1 Inner character and salvation are to be made the highest concern, that children may gain usefulness and immortal life that measures with the life of God, be led toward the Saviour rather than worldly influences, and have healthy constitutions and good morals.Ms 86, 1894, par. 22–23+2 This requires keeping children from hearing talk that treats dress and adornment as more important than inward grace, and guiding them away from fashionable display and the ways, practices, and customs of the world toward modesty and godly character.Ms 110, 1894, par. 11–13+2

Mothers who spend precious time on needless stitching, trimming, ornamentation, and fashion instead of teaching children Scripture place external appearance above inward adornment which is precious in God's sight.ST Nov 14, 1878+2 That anxiety about the external merely, about dress and parties and the follies of a degenerate age, takes time and attention from spiritual growth and causes children to fail to receive the education essential to form correct characters.ST Nov 14, 1878+2 Dress for mothers and children is to be modest, clean, neat, and without needless adornment.ST Nov 14, 1878 A child's clothing in particular should be neat, plain, comfortable, and durable, without embroidery, ruffles, needless stitching, or useless ornament, and precious time and strength are not to be wasted on ornamentation for show but used to improve the mind, cultivate Christian graces, and bless others.SA 84.1–2+2

The chapter carries a message of great importance for ministers of the gospel and ministers' wives, calling them to search deep and make clean work for eternity.Lt 164, 1910, par. 4 Danger follows ministers especially from unsanctified, unconverted companions, and unless the convicting, converting power of the gospel searches the hearts of ministers and their families there will be an irreligious element in their homes.Lt 164, 1910, par. 4 Every minister is therefore to labor for his unsanctified, unconverted companion, with zeal in this work in the churches.Lt 164, 1910, par. 4 Making external adorning more important than inward adorning brings darkness, deception, and spiritual blindness, so that professed Christians become deficient in estimating moral excellence of character.2T 142.1+1 Outward appearance, apparel shaped by strict economy and poverty, and approval to the eye of taste and fashion are no measure of a person, and judging by externals fails to discern the image of Christ, resources of knowledge and genuine experience in godliness, earnest devotion to service, power to reach hearts, to instruct youth and counsel mothers, and prayers, tears, and longing for usefulness.2T 142.1+1 Those far removed from Christ reflect not His image, misconstrue earnest interest, reject talented humble self-denying help, and turn away a precious blessing because help does not come in the manner expected, and the church must humble its heart and correct its ways and past errors to meet God's mind lest He visit in judgment.2T 142.1+1

Disregarding the instruction not to make outward styling of hair, gold, and clothing the adornment leads to adopting the fashions, customs, and principles of the world.ST Mar 31, 1887+2 The human heart is naturally out of harmony with the requirement of modesty and simplicity in conversation, deportment, and apparel, and seeks by reasoning to evade it through self-denial and humility.ST Mar 31, 1887 In every age most professed followers have disregarded it, so that vital godliness gives place to dead formalism.ST Mar 31, 1887+1 The presence and power of God are then withdrawn to humbler worshipers who obey, and churches lose their early power.ST Mar 31, 1887 Dressing for fashion becomes a forbidden path of disobedience and backsliding, a snare and slavery to fashion that sacrifices physical, mental, and moral health and lays happiness and the favor of God upon its altar.CH 643.1–2 Pride in dress and conformity to the world in this way can deny Christ, works against the Spirit, and places the person in spiritual darkness on the enemy's battlefield.ST Feb 26, 1894+1

Love of dress, pride of appearance, and attachment to worldly fashions are idolatry, selfishness, and self-glorification.Ms 56, 1900, par. 13–14+2 Such display adds no value to character or to influence, but reveals love for things thought to give value, a heart without inward adornment, inward poverty, and lack of spirituality, misrepresenting truth that should appear of highest value.Ms 56, 1900, par. 13–14 Pride displayed in dress reveals the heart's thoughts and interests, and attachment to it can become idolatry that separates God's people from Him.Ms 52, 1898, par. 23–27 It diverts the mind from God, robs Him of first and best and last, feeds vain pride while the mortal body soon decays, and shows failure to live in Christ, seek God's glory, cultivate inward loveliness, and show His praises.RH Aug 24, 1916+2 Showy, extravagant outward dress endangers morals and makes woman the opposite of the Christian lady characterized by modesty and sobriety, too often encouraging lust in the wearer and awakening base passions in the beholder.CH 648.1 Pride and vanity in dress frequently precede ruin of character, stifle the desire to do good, hide spiritual death and inward corruption under a beautiful exterior, and if continued without conversion leave a person unworthy of eternal life.CH 648.1+1

Putting borrowed ornaments on the head and displaying dress and pretty face to attract notice and flattery is sinful pride, vanity, and folly.STSE 36.2–37.1+2 For one professing to follow the meek and lowly Jesus and professing to love and keep the commandments, having put on Christ by baptism and professing to be dead to the world, such outward adorning is unbecoming a prudent, modest girl, reveals a true superficial and frivolous character, disgraces that profession, brings a stain upon the cause of truth, grieves the Saviour, reproaches the cause of God, and can cost even the name of Christian.STSE 36.2–37.1+1 Coming into possession of a gold chain or pin and exhibiting it conspicuously to attract attention shows bad taste, like a vain peacock displaying its gorgeous feathers for admiration when it has nothing else to attract, and love of dress and pleasure for display wrecks happiness.STSE 36.2–37.1 Angels in attendance with pure eyes read the thoughts and intents and purposes of the heart and take cognizance of every act, so the vain motive is discerned even when men flatter to the face.2T 180.2 The display makes the wearer a foolish show and the speech and laughingstock of observers, despised in their hearts even by unbelievers, and wearing costly clothes to attract notice appears vain and does not raise a person in others' estimation.2T 180.2+1 Guilt rests both on the one who so adorns herself and on parents and others who foster and flatter that pride.2T 180.2

Heeding the instruction saves much trouble, forms traits of character that give fitness for the higher life, prepares those on test and trial here for the higher school, and brings favor with God and with Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords who possesses all the treasures of the universe yet counts the meek and quiet spirit in the hidden man of the heart that does not decay of great price.TDR 13.1–3+2 Spiritual eyesight must be kept clear to discern this spiritual thing, and its spirit must be earnestly sought and cultivated and secured and maintained in all duties and walks of life, giving influence for good on earth and prized in heaven, going with neatness, cleanliness, taste, order, sobriety, meekness, propriety, modesty, and devotion to family and to God.TDR 13.1–3+1 Practicing the self-denial it requires keeps hearts from becoming evil hearts of unbelief, prepares a people to stand in the day of God, causes the last message of mercy to go with power, brings answered prayer for the conversion of souls, and lets light shine in good works so unbelievers glorify the Heavenly Father.Lt 251, 1904, par. 10–14+1 Children trained aright possess this inward adorning, which gives fitness for heaven and makes them shine in the courts of the Lord, and it is attractive and highly valued by heavenly angels and God, preparing those who possess it to be welcome in heaven.3T 367.1+1

God, who created everything lovely and beautiful and loves the beautiful, has adorned the earthly home with simple, quiet beauty for His children to appreciate and delight in.STSE 53.2–54.1+1 Above all outward attractiveness He loves beauty of character, calling His children to cultivate purity and simplicity, the quiet graces of the flowers.SC 85.3 He declares the inward adorning of the hidden man of the heart, the incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, the grace of meekness in harmony with heavenly angels, to be of great price in His sight, valuable above outward dress of plaited hair, gold, pearls, costly dress or apparel, to be sought earnestly by youth using present opportunity to form pure and holy characters for heaven rather than devoting precious time to trimming and ruffling to beautify outward appearance to its neglect.STSE 53.2–54.1 That inward adorning does not lessen true dignity of character or natural loveliness in this world.STSE 53.2–54.1+1 True beauty is therefore not measured by costly clothing, pearls, gold, or outward adornment.ST Dec 6, 1905

Self-denial and sacrifice mark Christ's followers, and a changed taste is shown in their dress.RH Aug 1, 1912+1 Those made new creatures in Christ Jesus no longer shape life by former lusts but follow Christ, reflect His character, and purify themselves even as He is pure, bringing forth love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.SC 58.3+1 Their affections are reversed, what was once hated being loved and what was once loved being hated, so the proud and self-assertive become meek and lowly, the vain and supercilious become serious and unobtrusive, the drunken become sober and the profligate pure.SC 58.3+1 Vain customs and fashions of the world are laid aside because Christians seek not external decoration of elaborate hair, gold, or clothing but the hidden person of the heart in what does not decay, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, with outward appearance harmonizing with inward peace and holiness and modest dress and deportment according with that inner peace.SC 58.3+4 Beauty is not wrong, but imperishable spiritual beauty is worth more than outward adornment.RH Aug 1, 1912

The chapter belongs to instruction on the true working of the Holy Spirit upon the heart in securing souls from the service of sin to righteousness, including confessing error when a mistake is made.Lt 32a, 1910, par. 26–28 With chapters 4 and 5 it is to be read and is very encouraging to present to those laboring in church capacity.Lt 32a, 1910, par. 26–28 The Lord of heaven cares about even the dressing of the body, so Christians must search the Scriptures to understand what He appreciates in dress.6MR 161.1 Those earnest in seeking the grace of Christ will heed its inspired instruction and let even the style of apparel express the truth of the gospel.6MR 161.1 Their dress then bears testimony to family, to church, and to the world that they are being purified from vanity and selfishness and that they are not idolaters.6MR 161.1