Why Adventists Don't Wear Earrings: A Biblical Perspective

Seventh-day Adventists choose not to wear earrings and other forms of jewelry primarily because it is seen as a biblical principle to prioritize inner spiritual adornment over outward display and to avoid worldliness and vanityCG 423.3+9.

Here are the key reasons that guide this practice:

• Biblical Instruction and Emphasis on Inner Adornment 💖

  The Bible gives clear instructions for Christian women to adorn themselves "in modest apparel, with modesty and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works" 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Similarly, it emphasizes that a woman's adorning should 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" 1 Peter 3:3-4BDOC 1.68+3. Therefore, the focus is on cultivating Christian graces like meekness, quietness, purity, kind words, kind deeds, and a tender spirit, which are considered the true and lasting ornaments that God approves2MR 1.2+15.

• Separation from Worldliness and Vanity 🌍

  The practice is a part of Christian duty and self-denial, marking a clear distinction between followers of Christ and those absorbed in worldly amusements and displayCG 423.3+5. Many professed Christians adorn themselves with jewelry and costly apparel, reflecting a love of display and pleasure that can lead to vanity and a proud heartBDOC 1.78+10. Laying aside such ornaments demonstrates a commitment to living for the next world rather than this oneEv 269.3+2.

• Consequences of Extravagance and Neglect of the Needy 💰

  Extravagant display, including the purchase of jewels and ornaments, often diverts resources that could otherwise be used to supply the needs of the hungry and clothe the nakedBDOC 1.78+7. Christians are accountable for the means entrusted to them, and spending on "needless ornaments expressly forbidden in the Word of God" while others suffer is seen as neglecting their duty and fostering self-love and prideBDOC 1.78+8. It also allows for means to be wasted that belong to the Lord and His causeGCB June 4, 1909, page 311.21+2.

• Historical Examples and Warnings 📜

  The Bible provides examples where outward adornments were associated with ungodliness or became a snare:

• Jacob's household gave up their earrings along with "strange gods" to be hidden under an oak, indicating a purification from idolatry Genesis 35:4EP 134.3+1.

• The Israelites broke off their golden earrings to create the golden calf, an act of idolatry Exodus 32:2-33SG 273.2+4.

• Gideon requested golden earrings from the spoil to make an ephod, which proved to be a "snare to himself and his family, as well as to Israel," leading to unauthorized worship and apostasy Judges 8:26EP 400.4+2.

• God, through the prophet Isaiah, spoke against the haughtiness of the daughters of Zion, describing their numerous ornaments, including earrings and nose jewels, which would be taken away Isaiah 3:19-22KJV — Isaiah 3:20+1.

• Historical figures like John Wesley also opposed the wearing of jewelry, considering such items as "superfluities" and "mere ornaments" that were not worth defending and could cause "hurt to your soul"BDOC 1.1+1. Similarly, converted individuals have seen the giving up of ornaments as a sign of their new life in ChristARSH December 25, 1856, page 63.24+1.

While the presence of gold and jewels in the Bible, such as in the context of the tabernacle offerings Exodus 25:1-2+1SH 45.1+4 or Rebekah receiving a golden earring as a gift Genesis 24:22BDOC 1.44+1 indicates that these materials are not inherently immoral, the counsel to Adventists emphasizes that their display and personal adornment with such items is a poor substitute for inward holiness and can lead to pride and worldly desiresBDOC 1.44+1. True spiritual transformation is expected to naturally lead to laying aside these outward shows of vanityTBI 294.1.