25 Scriptures about Modesty to Teach Your Daughter (with Free Printable)

Looking for Scriptures about modesty to teach your daughter? Modesty is a wonderful character quality to teach our daughters that does not have to be difficult to discuss. Use the Scriptures in this post to teach your daughter to dress in a way that gives honor to God and highlights her beauty as  a daughter of the King of kings!

25 Scriptures about Modesty to Teach your Daughter

The Bible includes Scriptures about modesty that are often misinterpreted and misunderstood–but it is absolutely crucial that we teach our daughters the value of dressing in ways that are wise, stylish, and honorable. 

Here are some important Scriptures about modesty that not only teach us how to dress modestly, but instruct all believers on how to live godly lives to the glory of God.

Free Printable with Scriptures About Modesty

You can also download a FREE printable with these Scriptures so that you can discuss them with your daughter or other teens at your church in a small group! 

All Scriptures are from the NIV (New International Version).

Teach your Daughter Modesty in her Character

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Proverbs 31:25

Discussion Question: How are we clothed with strength and dignity?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Discussion Question: How can we clothe ourselves with compassion and kindness?

Teach your Daughter Modesty in Caring for her Body

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Discussion Question: What does it mean that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit? 

Teach your Daughter Modesty in her Inner Beauty

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

1 Peter 3:3-4 

Does this Scripture mean that women cannot wear nice clothes or style their hair in creative ways? No, this Scripture is saying that our outward adornment should reflect the inner beauty that we have through Christ. 

A person with a humble spirit who reflects the love and power of God is truly beautiful from the inside out!

Discussion Question: What do you think it means to have a “gentle and quiet spirit”?

Teach your Daughter Modesty through Humility

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…

1 Peter 5:5-6 

Discussion Question: How do we clothe ourselves with humility?

Teach your Daughter Modesty as an Act of Worship

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1

Discussion Question: How do we present our bodies to God as a living sacrifice?

Teach your Daughter Modesty through her Conduct

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12 

Discussion Question: How can we set examples for others in our speech and conduct?

Teach your Daughter Modesty through her Dress

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

1 Timothy 2:8-10

This verse is not saying that women cannot have nice clothes, or that they cannot style their hair with braids. It is saying that living for God is much more beautiful and appealing than someone decorating themselves in the most elaborate or expensive clothing.

Discussion Question: What does “decency” and “propriety” mean?

Other Scriptures About Modesty and Godly Living

Here are more Scriptures on modesty that also teach the importance of developing godly character.

Proverbs 31:30–Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Discussion Question: What does it mean to “fear the Lord”?

Romans 13:13-14 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Discussion Question: How do we clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus?

1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Discussion Question: In what ways do you live your life for the glory of God?

Proverbs 11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

Discussion Question: What does it mean for a woman to show no discretion? Why is that like a gold ring in a pig’s snout?

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6a It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.

Discussion Question: How can we control our bodies in ways that are honorable to God?

Proverbs 15:33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Discussion Question: Why should humility come before honor?

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Discussion Question: How can we be transformed by renewing our minds?

Bible Verses About Modesty and Wisdom

1 Peter 5:5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Discussion Question: Why does God oppose the proud?

Proverbs 27:2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.

Discussion Question: How does this Scripture relate to humility?

Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

Discussion Question: What do you think a “hint of sexual immorality” means?

Psalm 37:30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.

Discussion Question: How can we gain wisdom?

Proverbs 28:26 Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

Discussion Question: How do we sometimes trust in ourselves?

John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commands.”

Discussion Question: Why is it sometimes difficult to keep God’s commands?

1 Corinthians 16:14 Do everything in love.

Discussion Question: In what ways can we “do everything in love”?

James 4:6 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Discussion Question: Why is it tempting to form a “friendship with the world”?

Ephesians 4:1-3 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Discussion Question: How can we live a life worth of the calling we have received?

Galatians 6:9  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Discussion Question: What “harvest” do you think the verse is speaking of? How can we reap that harvest?

Why is Modesty Important?

Years ago, my daughter was given a Barbie doll for her 6th birthday. This doll came complete with a wardrobe of clothes, dining furniture, and kitchenware. I was surprised at the number of sexy clothes this Barbie had in her wardrobe. Halter tops, mini skirts, low-cut tops—this doll even had lacy evening garments!

The pressure to wear inappropriate clothing bombards our daughters on a daily basis. Tightly fitted, low-cut tops, skin-tight leggings, very short dresses, skirts, and shorts flood our TV screens, movies, and magazine covers. 

How do we teach our daughters of their true worth and beauty, and how to conduct themselves in this culture? Why is this important? Teaching our children (sons and daughters) about modesty is important because they learn how to use wisdom and discretion in every area of their lives.

They also understand how to honor God, to themselves, and others around them.

What is Modesty?

When Christian women hear the word modesty, they often groan and roll their eyes. Many think that modesty is a ball and chain that strips women of their freedom to dress in stylish and creative ways.

But does God really care about what our daughters should wear? Why is modesty looked down upon as drab and dull, even in Christian circles? 

Paul in 1 Timothy gives clear instructions for believers as they gathered for worship:

 “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” 1 Timothy 2:8-10

Again, the apostle Paul is not saying that we as daughters of royalty cannot wear beautiful clothing.

In Psalm 45:13-14, the princess on her wedding day is dressed in stunning garments interwoven with gold.

Tamar, the daughter of King David wore an ornate robe. Esther, along with the other women in the king’s palace underwent a year’s worth of beauty treatments of perfumes and cosmetics. 

How can God, the author of beauty, forbid his daughters from reflecting His image?

The word modesty in the Greek means: well arranged, modest, orderly, and of good behavior (source). 

The same Greek word is used when Paul instructed elders in 1 Timothy 3:2 to be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, and apt to teach.

We must teach our daughters that our inward transformation is expressed in the outward adornment of our bodies.

Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth in her book Lies Women Believe urges women in the body of Christ to stop believing the lies of the Enemy about our dress and hold to the truth of what God says about them:

“I sometimes find myself wanting to say to Christian women: ‘Do you know who you are? God made you a woman. Accept His gift. Don’t be afraid to be feminine and to add physical and spiritual loveliness to the setting where He has placed you. You are a child of God. You are a part of the bride of Christ. You belong to the King—you are royalty.“

“Dress and conduct yourself in a way that reflects your high and holy calling. God has called you out of this world’s system—don’t let the world press you into its mold. Don’t think, dress, or act like the world; inwardly and outwardly, let others see the difference He makes in your life.“

Ladies, we are women of royalty! Let’s teach our daughters to dress in a way that brings honor to our King.

He has clothed us with spiritual garments of splendor, glory, and value. 

Why would we not then clothe our physical bodies in a way that reflects his amazing grace and beauty? 

When you enter his place of worship, lift up holy hands to him in gratitude and thanksgiving. He alone is worthy of our highest praise. 

When your daughter opens her closet to decide what to wear each day, each article of clothing should remind her that God has clothed her in royal beauty. 

Teach your Daughter the MAP Test

Teach your daughter the MAP (Modest, Appropriate, and Proper) test by asking herself these questions:

1. Is my clothing modest? (Is it too tight or too low-cut? If I sit down, will I constantly keep pulling my dress/skirt down?)
2. Is my clothing appropriate? (Is it suitable, good and decent?)
3. Is my clothing proper? (Is it right, fitting and correct?)

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

These exhortations are for our spiritual health and renewal, but can also be applied to our clothing. Are we dressed in ways that are true, right, pure, lovely, admirable and excellent?

Let’s remind our daughters that their bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and that they are to treat their temples with high honor.  

In Conclusion

It is important that we teach our daughters the importance of biblical modesty, and that it is so much more than what we can and cannot wear. May these Scriptures remind us that modesty is an act of worship to our Lord, and a way of life that is honorable and reflects godly character.

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