Proverbs 7:10,11 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn…)
1 Peter 3:3-4 Whose adorning let it 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.
When God speaks about a Christian’s attire, be it male or female, He is referring to much more than dresses or jeans. In the Proverbs 7 reference, God describes the strange woman. Clearly the context refers to a woman who is a harlot who dresses like one. But God says more about this woman than just her attire. She is loud and stubborn. Loud and stubborn? Loud – to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor. Stubborn – rebellious. Her clothing or character is one that causes commotion and clamor. Thus, we see that a person’s clothing, male or female, is much more than the clothes that they wear. It describes the kind of effect that a person has on others. You see, a person can be dressed very conservative and proper, and yet have attire or demeanor that is rebellious and a cause of commotion and clamor.
In contrast to this kind of a woman, Peter describes the wife who is married to a man who is clearly unsaved. This woman is not only dressed modestly, but she is also clothed with meekness and quietness. Meek and quiet? Meek – mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit. Quiet – mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit. Once again we see that The Holy Spirit reveals this woman’s clothing (her covering) includes a demeanor that is mild and gentle. Paul also speaks of Christian clothing this way. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
The attire of both reader and writer alike will have a definite impact on others today. Therefore, put on the attire of Colossians 3:10-12 before you pick out your skirt or jeans today, for man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) Selah
