Modesty in the Bible is addressed in multiple passages, emphasizing reverence for God, humility, and inner character over outward show, while also giving practical guidance about dress and behavior. Here’s a concise overview of the key themes and representative verses. Core principles

• Modesty as worship-focused: Modesty is tied to honoring God and avoiding attention-seeking that detracts from worship or sister/brotherly unity. It involves presenting oneself in a way that reflects godliness rather than self-promotion. Verses and discussions consistently connect attire and conduct to the heart’s posture toward God.

• Inner beauty over outward adornment: The Bible often prioritizes a gentle and quiet spirit, saying that beauty should come from character and conduct rather than elaborate external decoration. This is especially highlighted in New Testament exhortations to wives and by extension all believers.

• Distinction and propriety in gendered dress: Several passages address gender-appropriate dress and distinguishing clothing in order to maintain order, modesty, and cultural norms of holy living. This includes calls to avoid cross-dressing in the sense of adopting the other gender’s typical attire, and to avoid ostentation.

• Humility and social conduct: Modesty is often linked with humility, peaceable living, and reverence in worship—practices that reflect a transformed mind rather than attention-grabbing appearances.

Representative verses

• 1 Timothy 2:9–10: Women (and by implication all believers) are urged to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with elaborate hairstyles or expensive clothes, but with good deeds appropriate for those who profess to worship God. This passage ties modesty to worship and godliness in public, organized settings.

• 1 Peter 3:3–4: Emphasizes inner beauty over outward adornment, urging a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. It links modesty to the character that manifests in daily life.

• Deuteronomy 22:5: A command regarding gender-specific attire, often cited in discussions of modesty and distinguishing clothing, highlighting cultural boundaries tied to holiness.

• Romans 12:16 and similar exhortations: Encourages humility, harmony, and avoiding arrogance, reinforcing that modest behavior extends to social interactions and self-presentation.

• Additional Old Testament illustrations: garments and priestly distinction (Exodus 28:2–3) show that clothing can symbolize sacred service and separation for God, reinforcing the principle that what is worn should reflect reverence and purpose.

Practical takeaways for today

• Modesty is not a rigid uniform guideline but a heart-centered discipline that aims to honor God, avoid distracting others from godly aims, and reflect inner beauty through actions and character.

• Dress should be appropriate to context and culture while avoiding attention-seeking or provocative wear that causes others to stumble. This aligns with the broader biblical call to live in a manner worthy of the gospel.

• Modesty accompanies gentleness, humility, and service. Believers are encouraged to cultivate good deeds, a respectful demeanor, and a reverent approach to public worship, consistent with a transformed mind.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific tradition or denomination’s perspective, or pull out a more exhaustive list of verses with short explanations.