These are references to what God is concerned about in our lives. Our hearts are the center of our being. What is in our hearts is what we do. If our hearts are evil; then that is what we do. If we are attracting attention that is undesirable; then we have chosen to do so because that is what is in our heart. Modesty is a heart issue.
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."(I Samuel 16:7) It is important that our hearts echo what we believe. The Lord knows our intentions, and if our intentions are wicked, then He will know it.
"Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."(Proverbs 31:30) When a woman is overly concerned about her appearance; she has chosen an unfulfilled and empty way of existence. A God-fearing woman is more beautiful than a woman concerned about her appearance.
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."(Matthew 7:20) Our testimony is the fruit of our relationship with God.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."(Colossians 3:17) Modesty in word and deed is important, because how we speak to others and act toward others requires that we do so modestly and in the name of the Lord Jesus.
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame-facedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;"(I Timothy 2:9) After talking to the men of the church, Paul spoke to the women of the church telling them to adorn modest apparel. He is telling them to be humble and sober. Simply put, do not be gaudy.
"For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:"(James 1:23) Most people stand in front of the mirror, before they go out to face the world. Essentially he is saying that those that only hear the word and do not do it; they are just looking at their outward appearance.
"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
(I Peter 2:12) Honesty in your conversation is essential to glorifying God and your testimony before others.
"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."(I Peter 3:3-4)
There is more worth in the inner man than that of corporeal human form. "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."(Luke 9:24) Even though we are created in God's image; we are to be concerned about our souls and the souls of others. We are sinners, but we are able to save our lives by giving our souls to Him. Set the example and show forth the glory of the Lord.
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