I have heard preachers proclaim that it is a sin for women to wear jewelry and use cosmetics.  Usually, they are wearing rings and cuff-links!  They base their conviction on I Peter 3.  Peter is teaching that wives are to have an inward beauty that can not be purchased in a store.  “Whose adorning let it not be that outward of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.”  (1 Peter 3:3)

Allow me to assume the role of the preacher who is against cosmetics and jewelry.  “Ladies, it is right there in your Bible!  It says your adorning should not be the plaiting of your hair.  You should put that $50.00 paid to your beautician into the offering plate!  It goes on to say that you should not wear gold or jewelry!  It goes on to say that you should not put on apparel…oops, cancel that part of the verse!”

Peter did not forbid the wearing of jewelry any more than the wearing of apparel.  The word “wearing” in I Peter 3:3 means “the putting around,” and refers to a gaudy display of jewelry.  It is possible to wear jewelry and still honor God, and we must not judge one another in this matter.

I have preached for years that any old barn looks better with a little paint on it!