1st Peter 3:3. “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing gold, or of putting on apparel:” OUTWARD. Glamour shots – beautiful hair – sophisticated women Are able to be seen everywhere self-consciously making an impact – Based on visual responses, people buy and sell Almost anything that appeals to their sensual attractions – Looking on the outward appearance to gain – To lust – to be discontented with what they have – To live for the moment – to fail and fall For a life of dissatisfaction and loss.
Deliberately dowdy – they try to look and make others think they’re holy – Outwardly denying their own self-respect for impressions Or traditions made by men; thinking this earns favor with God. A special humiliating hair-style so everyone knows The wearer is different – supposed to be godly – And the apparel sends a message – “You must be like me to please God.” That outward look, though modest, misses the point.
Outward does not reach the heart when it appeals to the lust. Outward does not change the person if it is only self they trust. Outward can deceive some to thinking the modern way is best. Outward may give the impression that holiness depends on dress. Outward may appeal to some and be repellent to others – Outward doesn’t determine whether one is a Christian brother. Outward cannot be ignored, but it isn’t proof of life – Outward is usually taken care of to put “self” in the best light.
“O God, I am not denying the fact that how I look is important because it does send a message. But I can see how it can deceive people. Help me to be real even in outward appearance. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
The heart of a person is seen by a "meek and quiet spirit." A gentle person who is able to control her speech reveals an inner beauty of character that testifies to her faith in God. That kind of virtue has been tried and proven by "holy women" of the past who have set their hope in God. There is a calm assurance that He will reward true humility and their subjection to the husband's leadership. There is nothing in the context of this passage of scripture that forbids any adornment. Rather there is the comparison made of outward decoration and the inward ornament of a meek and quiet spirit that grows in its attractiveness as time and years pass. Youth and beauty fade with the passing of time. Character develops and demonstrates the grace of the soul and moral strength that is found in godly women. "Amazement," or hysterical fear because of some potential problem will not be a concern of a righteous wife.
Husbands need to take into consideration the fact that normally women are not as physically strong as men. Moral and intellectual strength are in no way inferior in a woman than in a man, but physical abuse or attacks can take place if a man does not protect his wife. When a man honors his wife he will respect, help, protect and stay with her to keep her safe. He will understand he is the one who is to provide for her, not the other way around. He will treat her with courtesy and consideration. With tact and insight, he will seek to lighten her load in order to make a home together (dwell with). It is his responsibility to take the initiative in anticipating needs, avoiding things that would make his wife uncertain and removing the causes of her apprehension and fears by gracefully ministering to her.