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Seventh-day Adventists have historically chosen to forego wearing jewelry as part of a broader commitment to modesty, humility, and spiritual focus. This position is not a formal church rule but is grounded deeply in Scripture and the counsel of Ellen G. White. This thread starter examines the biblical basis, historical context, and spiritual reasons why many Adventists avoid jewelry, concluding with an exhortation to live in humble dependence on God.
The Adventist Church was emerging in the 1800s during the Victorian era, at a time when jewelry was a conspicuous sign of wealth and social status, often fostering pride and division. This societal backdrop shaped early Adventist leaders’ counsel on dress and adornment as a safeguard against these worldly values.
Ellen G. White once wore a brooch - not for show, but as a functional clasp. This captures Adventism’s heart: Adornment isn’t evil, but motives matter.
Modesty in dress, including minimizing jewelry, became a visible statement of spiritual values and stewardship. Adventists view stewardship as the responsible use of God-given resources; thus, spending on extravagant jewelry is seen as inconsistent with this calling when such funds could better serve others or the church.
Further, Scripture warns against an excessive focus on material wealth, recognizing it as a potential spiritual stumbling block. Jesus taught, Luke 12:15, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” King Solomon also warns, “Proverbs 22:1, ‘A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.’” These passages help frame jewelry and adornment as symbols that may encourage pride and reliance on earthly things rather than God.
Prophetic Scriptures like Isaiah 3:18-20 describe jewelry within a context of pride and injustice among the elite Israelites, signaling how adornment can reflect misplaced values. The story in Genesis 35:4 illustrates that earrings then were often associated with pagan idols and social rank, making their removal a spiritual cleansing.
White encouraged the development of the “ornament of a meek and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4) as the true Christian beauty. She exhorted believers to represent Christ through a humble and simple lifestyle rather than external showmanship.
The core concern is avoiding anything that detracts from a vibrant relationship with God or that fosters pride and materialism. It’s a journey between you and God.
It’s less about rules and more about stewardship - using resources wisely to bless others, not impress them.
In a world enthralled by glitter and glamour, let us heed the warnings of Scripture and the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy. Let us adorn ourselves with humility, kindness, and godliness - true treasures that neither moth nor rust can destroy (Matthew 6:19-21). Our worth is not found in gold or gems but in our identity as cherished children of God.
In putting aside the adornment that can ensnare the heart, we open ourselves to the peace and joy of Christ's transforming love. May our lives reflect the inward beauty of a spirit clothed in grace, drawing others to the heavenly Bridegroom.
The Adventist Church was emerging in the 1800s during the Victorian era, at a time when jewelry was a conspicuous sign of wealth and social status, often fostering pride and division. This societal backdrop shaped early Adventist leaders’ counsel on dress and adornment as a safeguard against these worldly values.
Ellen G. White once wore a brooch - not for show, but as a functional clasp. This captures Adventism’s heart: Adornment isn’t evil, but motives matter.
Modesty in dress, including minimizing jewelry, became a visible statement of spiritual values and stewardship. Adventists view stewardship as the responsible use of God-given resources; thus, spending on extravagant jewelry is seen as inconsistent with this calling when such funds could better serve others or the church.
What Does the Bible Say About Jewelry?
The Bible provides clear guidance about outward adornment and the heart attitude it reflects. The Apostle Paul instructs in 1 Timothy 2:9 that women should dress themselves "in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel," emphasizing a heart focused on godly virtues rather than external show. This aligns closely with 1 Peter 3:3-4, which counsels believers that true beauty is not in outward adornment but “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”Further, Scripture warns against an excessive focus on material wealth, recognizing it as a potential spiritual stumbling block. Jesus taught, Luke 12:15, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” King Solomon also warns, “Proverbs 22:1, ‘A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.’” These passages help frame jewelry and adornment as symbols that may encourage pride and reliance on earthly things rather than God.
Prophetic Scriptures like Isaiah 3:18-20 describe jewelry within a context of pride and injustice among the elite Israelites, signaling how adornment can reflect misplaced values. The story in Genesis 35:4 illustrates that earrings then were often associated with pagan idols and social rank, making their removal a spiritual cleansing.
Ellen G. White’s Counsel on Jewelry and Modesty
Ellen G. White emphasized simplicity and modesty, advising church members to avoid jewelry because it frequently leads to pride, vanity, and distracts from spiritual growth. She referred to jewelry and costly apparel as idols, urging believers to sell any such ornaments and redirect the resources toward fulfilling God's work. Yet, she also recognized practical exceptions, such as the wearing of a simple wedding band as a symbol of marital commitmentWhite encouraged the development of the “ornament of a meek and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4) as the true Christian beauty. She exhorted believers to represent Christ through a humble and simple lifestyle rather than external showmanship.
E. G. White said:
Cultural Clues vs. Eternal Principles
In Bible times, earrings sometimes bore pagan symbols. Today, a wedding ring might signal commitment, not wealth. Adventists navigate this by asking:- Does this reflect humility or pride?
- Does it honor my body as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19)?
- Could it distract others from seeing Christ in me?
The core concern is avoiding anything that detracts from a vibrant relationship with God or that fosters pride and materialism. It’s a journey between you and God.
It’s less about rules and more about stewardship - using resources wisely to bless others, not impress them.
A Heart Focused on Heaven
Adventists avoid jewelry not out of fear, but to keep their eyes on what lasts. Imagine prioritizing:- Relationships over riches.
- Service over status symbols.
- Inner grace over outward glitter.
In a world enthralled by glitter and glamour, let us heed the warnings of Scripture and the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy. Let us adorn ourselves with humility, kindness, and godliness - true treasures that neither moth nor rust can destroy (Matthew 6:19-21). Our worth is not found in gold or gems but in our identity as cherished children of God.
In putting aside the adornment that can ensnare the heart, we open ourselves to the peace and joy of Christ's transforming love. May our lives reflect the inward beauty of a spirit clothed in grace, drawing others to the heavenly Bridegroom.