Orderly Attire: Preparation for worship should be supremely God-ward, but women must also be mindful of the horizontal impact of their deportment. They are, therefore, called to adorn themselves with clothing that is orderly (“proper”). As the planets orbit the sun, so we order ourselves around our object of worship, the Lord. He is the radiant sun and we the muted planets; He the center, we the periphery.^{^[1]} Paul then specifies the attention-seeking adornment common in Ephesian women were to avoid: braided hair, gold, pearls, etc. The church assembly is where the redeemed of God praise and exalt Him, not ourselves.[2] Ours is to spotlight the God of majesty, and fade into the background. His glory sparkles and shines like jewels on the crown.

Good Works: As redeemed men are to present to God holy hands (v8), so redeemed women are to present to Him “good works.” The Lord saved us and made us anew for this purpose (Eph. 2:10). Even as Tabitha abounded with deeds of kindness and mercy (Acts 9:36), so women of God are to adorn themselves with good deeds that meet pressing needs (Tit. 3:14; Prov. 31:20). This is well-pleasing to God our Savior and it showcases the fruit of His redeeming grace (Tit. 2:11-14). True adornment that delights God’s eyes is seen in the work of our hands. Our external charm or beauty does not impress God (Prov. 31:30-31), for He sees not as man sees (1 Sam. 16:7; Is. 66:2). God has ordained such works to be the splendid adornment of the bride that will captivate and thrill her everlasting bridegroom (Rev. 19:7-8).

[1] This mentality is further described in terms of modesty and discretion. The former denotes the self-restraint that shrinks back from overstepping the boundaries of propriety, and the latter a mindset (a sound mind) that is aligned to the worship of God, in which God is at the center and our attire reflects this reality.

[2] Indeed, all praise in the church assembly is addressed to God. Cf. Rom. 15:6; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15.