A definition of modesty is, “Restrained within due limits of propriety; free from indecency or lewdness; not excessive or extreme; moderate.” A Christian’s apparel should be modest in cut, that is, in the way it is made; it should cover the body as a modest person would cover it, not displaying those parts that the prevailing standards of modesty require to be covered.(1) Judged by this standard, very many religious professors come far short, their clothing being less than decency really requires. Such a thing, of course, does not have its origin in a pure heart. The woman who displays herself to attract attention is anything but modest. Clothing should be made to conform to modesty in all other respects also. Useless things added to one’s apparel for the purpose of display and show do not conform to modesty. “Loud” and flashy colors are not modest. The Bible does not forbid us to wear any particular shade, but there are shades and combinations that are showy and gaudy, and by their extremeness violate modesty, for modesty is the avoidance of extreme. Whatever we wear, it should be modest in color just as well as in other particulars. Christian apparel should be modest in texture; that is, it should not be so thin that it displays the body or the underwear. No man thinks a woman modest who wears goods so thin as to display her under-garments, or hosiery so thin as to display her limbs. Such things are very unbecoming to saints, and of course not less so to other people. Sisters, dress so that a modest man will not feel embarrassed in your presence. Apparel should be modest as to cost. It should not be what the Scriptures term “costly array.” It is well to buy good material, and for such we must pay a good price, but this is not what the Bible means by “costly array.” It means not to be extravagant. We should not waste money, but make the best possible use of it. Some have thought it wrong to try to make our clothes becoming. This is not the case. The Bible says “that women _adorn_ themselves in modest apparel”; that is, their apparel should be such as adorns or becomes them, so long as it is modest clothing. It should be adapted in cut, color, etc., to harmonize with the complexion, size, and height of the person. We owe it to ourselves to make a good appearance. To make ourselves outlandish in any way is neither wise nor right. It is violating modesty, and this is not consistent. It is only when we make a proper appearance that we can have a proper influence, and so be effective for God. God delights in modesty in dress, in words, in actions—in all things. Pride and show are an abomination to him, and if we conform to him in our inner life and character, outward conformity will naturally follow; but if inward desire runs out after that which is immodest and gaudy, if the heart desires to display upon the person gold and jewels and finery, it is because it does not conform to the image of God’s Son, but to the world.